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JAMES WHITCOMB

GOVERNOR OF INDIANA

INDIANA

IN THE

MEXICAN WAR

COMPILED BY

PERRY

ADJUTANT-GENERAL

INDIANAPOLIS, AUGUST I, 1908

INDIANAPOLIS

WM. B. BURFORD, CONTRACTOR FOR STATE PRINTING AND BINDING

1908

THE STATE OF INDIANA,

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

August 4, 1908. J

Received by the Governor, examined and referred to the Auditor of State for
verification of the financial statement.

OFFICE OF AUDITOR OF STATE,

INDIANAPOLIS, August 4, 1908. J

The within report contains no statement of moneys drawn from the State
Treasury.

J. C. BILLHEIMER,

Auditor of State.

August 4, 1908.

Returned by the Auditor of State, with above certificate, and transmitted to
Secretary of State for publication, upon the order of the Board of Commissioners
of Public Printing and Binding.

FRED L. GEMMER,
Secretary to the Governor.

Filed In the office of trie Secretary of State of the State of Indiana, August
4, 1908.

FRED A. SIMS,

Secretary of State.

Received the within report and delivered to the printer August 4, 1908.

HARRY SLOUGH,

Clerk Printing Bureau.

INTRODUCTION.

The purpose of this book is to fill a gap in the military
history of the State, occasioned by the failure of the proper
authorities to appreciate the importance of compiling and
preserving the record of its volunteers engaged in war.

At the outbreak of the Mexican War the martial spirit
of the people of the State was at the lowest ebb. There was
no State organization of militia, no arms, no equipment,
and apparently not a soldier in sight. The probability of
war and the necessity of preparing for it had occurred to
the minds of but few.

The position of Adjutant-General was looked upon as
a compliment, a peg on which to hang a title. He was paid
a salary of $100.00 per annum, provided his own office, fuel
and stationery, and was blissfully ignorant of every detail
of the position. Fortunately for the reputation of the
State, the incumbent, General David Eeynolds, was a man
of superior executive ability, dauntless in all emergencies,
a tireless worker and blessed with an abundance of com
mon sense, which largely offset his lack of experience. His
success in rapidly organizing the State's quota for the war
had no parallel at that time, and in 18-47 a grateful Legis
lature recognized the fact by adding $150.00 to his salary
for that year.

In 1849 it made him a further allowance "for services
and expenses in organizing the 4th and 5th Regiments of
$183.00 per month for four months and twenty -three days,
and ten cents a mile for 664 miles' travel," but required of
him a bond in the sum of $1,000, with approved security,
that he would return to the State Treasury all above
$300.00 in case the U. S. Government failed to' pay the dif
ference to the State within two years.

The first call for volunteers for one year was made
on the 22d of May, 1846, and old Fort Clark, between Jef-

(3)

M314172

fersonville and New Albany, was designated a;s the ren
dezvous.

At that time there was but one railroad in the State,
running between Madison and Edinburg. There were but
few improved highways and no telegraphs. All communi
cation was by mail, mostly carried by men on horseback,
and over bad roads. There were no daily papers, the press
services being rendered by small weekly sheets, one or two
to the county. In spite of these handicaps the war news
traveled fast. The Governor issued his proclamation on
the 22d of May and the Adjutant-General his General Or
der No. 1 on the 4th of June, directing the companies to
assemble at the rendezvous as soon as possible, by the
shortest route, and at their own expense for transporta
tion and subsistence.

As if by magic the roads were filled with marching
men, helped on by patriotic farmers, who furnished teams
for transportation and whose kind-hearted wives fed the
hungry volunteers. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the
concentration was quickly made, and by the 10th of June,
nineteen days after the call, thirty companies had reported
at camp and been mustered into service, while an overflow
of twenty-two companies reported from their home sta
tions clamoring for acceptance.

At the expiration of the term of service of the 1st, 2d
and 3d Regiments, the Government accepted the services of
the 4th and 5th Regiments, which served until the close of
the war.

No less remarkable than the uprising of volunteers, was
the patriotic action of the banks, in volunteering to supply
the Governor with the needful funds and take the chance
of reimbursement by the State or General Government,
and this at a time when the State was almost hopelessly in
debt and had defaulted some of its bonds.

Everything that occurred during the prosecution of the
Mexican War was creditable to the State, her citizens and
the volunteers, and should have been made a matter of con
venient record long ago. It has long been a tradition in the

State that Indiana did not conduct herself well in Mexico,
and the least said the better. The facts are that there was
absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and every reason why
every Hoosier should be proud of the record of Indiana
in the Mexican War.

It has fallen to the lot of the writer, in his official ca
pacity as Adjutant-General, to compile these facts, and
he has succeeded beyond his expectations. After much dig
ging and delving among old, unsatisfactory histories he
had recourse to the papers published during that period,
some found among the files of the State Library, and oth
ers in the hands of individuals. The plan has been to copy
from these papers, in chronological order, every item re
ferring to Indianians, individually and collectively, who
had any part in the war, and it has resulted in a consecu
tive, coherent narrative of patriotism, courage and self-
sacrifice of as devoted a band of volunteers as ever of
fered themselves for the good and glory of our country.

It corrects whatever misconceptions may have been in
the public mind relative to the alleged misconduct of one
of our regiments at Buena Vista, and places the responsi
bility on the shoulders of one man, the Colonel, who lost
heart in the hour of victory and ordered a retreat, and who
in after years was a traitor to his country.

This narrative also discloses the fact, not generally
known, that Indiana furnished for the war recruits for two
whole companies for the 16th U. S. Infantry, three compa
nies of U. S. Mounted Riflemen and one company of the
1st U. S. Dragoons, while over three hundred Indianians,
failing of acceptance in regiments of their own State,
crossed the Ohio River and took service in Kentucky regi
ments. It is to be regretted that the names of these
Hoosier soldiers could not be obtained for publication in
this volume, the task of hunting them up being a greater
one than the War Department cared to undertake.

The failure to file with the Adjutant-General the mus
ter-in and muster-out rolls of the companies engaged in
the Mexican War has been a source of continued complaint

on the part of those interested, but until this time nothing
has been done to supply the deficiency. Recently an appli
cation was made to the Adjutant-General of the Army for
copies of these rolls, which was declined because the rules
of the Department prohibit it, but just why the General
Government takes such a stand has not been satisfactorily
explained.

This decision of the Adjutant-General threatened the
failure of this work, and in this stress an appeal was made
to Hon. Jesse Overstreet, M. C., Seventh District, who suc
ceeded in obtaining from the Hon. B. F. Harper, Auditor
of the War Department, such information as could be ob
tained from the pay-rolls, and which is published in the
pages of this volume. While the record is incomplete, be
cause of failure to show age and description of the volun
teer, it states the fact of his services in an unmistakable
way.

A partial record of the men of the U. S. Mounted Rifle
men was found in the files of this office, which was sent to
the office of the Auditor of the War Department for such
additional information as could be found and is also pre
sented in these pages. For these services the thanks of
this Department are due Mr. Jesse Overstreet, Mr. B. F.
Harper and his assistant, Major Whipple.

The writer is also under many obligations to Miss Mary
Moffatt and Miss Florence Venn, reference clerks in the
State Library, who have rendered very efficient aid.

The service in Mexico was a school for soldiers which
produced many good officers for the War for the Union.
Among those who attained high rank the following names
are recorded :

FIRS 1' REGIMENT.

Captain Robert H. Milroy, Major-General, U. S. Vols.
Captain John M. Wilson, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
First Lieutenant William L. Brown, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
First Lieutenant William L. Farrow, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Second Lieutenant George Humphrey, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Second Lieutenant James McMarroney, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Second Lieutenant A. L. Morrison, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Second Lieutenant Lew Wallace, Major-General, IT. S. Vols.

SECOND REGIMENT.

Captain Henry Davis, Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Captain Nathan Kiinball, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.
Captain John Osborne, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Captain L. H. Rosseau, Major-General, U. S. Vols.
Captain William L. Sanderson, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Captain William T. Spicely, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

THIRD REGIMENT.

Colonel James H. Lane, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.
Major Willis A. Gorman, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.
Captain Scott Carter, Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Second Lieutenant Benjamin Spooner. Colonel, U. S. Vols.
Private Thomas A. McNaught, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

FOURTH REGIMENT.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ebenezer Dumont, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.

Captain Jesse Alexander, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

First Lieutenant Albert J. Brackett, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

First Lieutenant O. H. S. Carey, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

Second Lieutenant Benjamin F. Hayes, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

Second Lieutenant Thos. J. Lucas, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.

FIFTH REGIMENT.

Captain Mahlon D. Manson, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols.

Captain David Shunk, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

Second Lieutenant William C. Kise, Colonel, U. S. Vols.

It is also well known that a large number of enlisted
men of the Mexican War held commissions in the Union
Army during the Civil War, but it has been impossible to
secure their names for publication.

Adjutant-General .
Indianapolis, Ind., August 1, 1908.

WAR DEPARTMENT STIRS UP THE ADJUTANT-
GENERAL.

(Circular.)

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, January 8, 1846.

SIR — Your attention is respectfully called to the importance of a full
and prompt compliance on your part, with the provisions of the Act of
Congress approved March 2, 180:5, making it the duty of the Adjutant-
General of the Militia in each state to make and forward returns of the
Militia of the State to which he belongs, with their arms, accoutrements
and ammunition, to the President of the United States, annually, on or
before the first Monday in January. One of the objects had in view by
the national legislature, was the establishing of a uniform system of Militia
accountability, an object which has not been accomplished. In the first
section of the law it is made the duty of the Secretary of War, from time
to time, to give such directions to the Adjutants-General of the Militia as
shall, in his opinion, be necessary to produce a uniformity in their annual
returns; and in conformity thereto, as long ago as 3829, a printed form
was prescribed and duly furnished to the United States for their guidance
in making up the required returns, accompanied with a "circular" from
this office, dated June 19, 1829. It is regretted that the measures adopted
by the War Department have not, as yet, resulted in securing the de
sired uniformity.

In some of the States the use of the printed return has been neg
lected, and other forms instituted, while in some instances errors and
omissions in filling them up not infrequently occur; and a majority of
the States fail to send their returns within the time prescribed by law.
The consequence has been that this Department could furnish Congress
with but imperfect abstracts of the Militia of the country.

The Secretary of War expresses the hope that, hereafter, you will
adopt such timely measures as will insure the receipt of your returns,
etc., not later than the first Monday in January, the day required by
law. Last year there were only seven returns received by the first Mon
day in January, and this year but eight.

It should be borne in mind that the annual distribution of arms, etc.,
to the several states is made according to the strength of the Militia duly
reported according to law. It is therefore the interest of all the states
to make full returns to the President in due season and form, in order to
receive the greatest benefit derivable from the general system of arming
the Militia.

Herewith I forward printed blank returns of the established form.
By order of the Secretary of War.

R. JONES,
Adjutant-General, U. S. A.

To the Adjutant-General of the State of Indiana,

(Circular.)

A D.J UTAHT-GENEBAL'S OFFICE,
AVASHINGTON, June 19, 1829.

SIR — Pursuant to the provisions of the Act of March '2. 1803, which
requires "the Adjutant-General of the Militia, in each State, to make re
turn of the Militia of the State to which he belongs, with the arms, ac
coutrements and ammunition.'' to the President of the United States,
annually on or before the first Monday in January in each year, I here
with respectfully transmit eight blanks of the established form in order
to "produce a uniformity in the said returns."

By order of the Secretary of War.

(Signed) K. JONES,

Adjutant-General U. S. Army.

To the Adjutant-General of each State and Territory.

Note — Please acknowledge the receipt of this communication. — K. J.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., January 25, 1846.

SIR — Your circular of the 8th iiist. and blank forms have been duly
received. The reason the strength and arms of this State have not been
reported as required by the Act of Congress of 1803, is that our system has
so far gone down that but few officers hold commissions and scarcely any
of those few make returns to this office, as will be perceived by reference
to my report to the Governor for 1845, which is herewith enclosed.

I also enclose to you the report of the Quartermaster-General to the
Governor for the year 1845, which will give you an idea of the condition
of our arms on hand. There are other arms let out under bonds, not in
cluded in said report, but to what amount I cannot tell.

The dilapidated state of our military system is a matter of much re
gret. I trust it is perceived that my failure to return our strength, etc.,
is from necessity and not from neglect. Your obedient servant,

D. REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

To R. Jones, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. Washington City, D. C.

WAR DEPARTMENT, A DJ IT A: NT- GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON. February 4, 1846.

SIR — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ul
timo, reporting your inability, from causes beyond your control, to make
the annual returns of the Militia of Indiana, in conformity with the Act
of Congress of March 2, 1843.

The indifference which prevails in many of the States on the subject
of the Militia is much to be regretted. Your report to the Governor of the
29th of November puts the matter in a strong light as respects Indiana, and
it is hoped may stimulate the Legislature to correct the evils complained

of. I shall take pleasure in laying your report before the Secretary of
War.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

R. JONES,

Adjutant-General U. S~. Army.
Adjutant-General D. Reynolds, Militia of Indiana, Indianapolis.

CONGRESS PROVIDES THE SINEWS OF WAR.

MAY 13, 1846.

AN ACT providing for the prosecution of the existing war between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico.

WHEREAS, By the act of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war exists
between that Government and the United States:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That for the purpose of
enabling the Government of the United States to prosecute said war to a
speedy and successful termination, the President be and he is hereby au
thorized to employ the militia, naval and military forces of the United
States and to call for and accept the services of any number of volunteers,
not exceeding 50,000, who may offer their services, either as cavalry, artil
lery, infantry or riflemen, to serve twelve months after they shall have
arrived at the place of rendezvous, or to the end of the war, unless sooner
discharged, according to the time for which they shall have been mus
tered into service ; and that the sum of ten millions of dollars out of any
moneys in the treasury or to come into the treasury, not otherwise appro
priated, be, and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carry
ing the provisions of this act into effect.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Militia when called into
the service of the United States by virtue of this act or any other act, may,
if in the opinion of the President of the United States the public interest
requires it, be compelled to serve for a term not exceeding six months after
their arrival at the place of rendezvous, in any one year, unless sooner dis
charged.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the said volunteers shall fur
nish their own clothes, and, if cavalry, their own horses and horse equip
ments; and when mustered into service shall be armed at the expense of
the United States.

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That said volunteers shall, when
called into actual service, and while remaining therein, be subject to the
rules and articles of war, and shall be in all respects, except as to clothing
and pay, placed on the same footing with similar corps of the United
States army, and in lieu of clothing every non-commissioned officer and
private in any company who may thus offer himself, shall be entitled, when
called into actual servi ,, to receive in money a sum equal to the cost of
clothing of a non-cor ussioned officer or private (as the case may be) in
the regular troops of the United States.

See. 5. And be it further enacted, That the said volunteers so offering
their sen-ices shall be accepted by the President in companies, battalions,
squadrons and regiments, whose officers shall be appointed in the manner
prescribed by law in the several states and territories to which such com
panies, battalions, squadrons and regiments shall respectively belong.

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United
States be, and he is hereby authorized to organize companies so tendering
their sen-ices into battalions or squadrons; battalions and squadrons into
regiments ; regiments into brigades, and brigades into divisions, as soon as
the number of volunteers shall render such organization, in his judgment,
expedient ; and the President shall, if necessary, apportion the staff, field
and general officers among the respective states and territories from which
the volunteers shall tender their services, as he may deem proper.

Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That the volunteers who may In-
received into the service of the United States by virtue of the provisions
of this act, and who shall be wounded or otherwise disabled in the serv
ice, shall be entitled to all the benefit which may be conferred on persons
wounded in the service of the United States.

Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United
States be, and he is hereby authorized forthwith to complete all the public
armed vessels now authorized by law, and to purchase or cnarter, arm,
equip and man such merchant vessels and steamboats as, upon examination,
may be found fit. or easily converted into armed vessels fit for the public
service, and in such number as he may deem necessary for the protection
of the seaboard, lake coast and the general defense of the country.

Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That whenever the militia or vol
unteers are called and received into the service of the United States, under
the provisions of this act, they shall have the organization of the army of
the United States, and shall have the same pay and allowances; and all
mounted privates, non-commissioned officers, musicians and artificers shall
be allowed forty cents per day for the use and risk of their horses, except
of horses actually killed in action ; and if any mounted volunteer, private,
non-commissioned officer, musician, or artificer shall not keep himself pro
vided with a serviceable horse, the said volunteer shall serve on foot.

Approved May 13, 1846.

A PROCLAMATION

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States, by virtue of the consti
tuted authority vested in them, have declared by their acts, bearing date
this day, that by the acts of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war exists
between that government and the United States, now therefore I, James K.
Polk, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the
same to all whom it may concern, and I do especially enjoin all persons
holding office, civil or military, under the authority of the United States,
that they be vigilant and zealous in discharging the auties respectively in
cident thereto ; and I do moreover exhort all of' the good people of the

United States, as they love their country, as they feel the wrong which has
forced on them the last resort of injured nations, and as they consult the
best means under the guidance of Divine Providence of abridging its ca
lamities, that they exert themselves in preserving order, in promoting con
cord, in maintaining the authority and the efficiency of the laws, and in
supporting and invigorating all of the measures which may be adopted by
the constituted authorities for obtaining a speedy, a just and an honorable
peace.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, done at the city
of Washington on the thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred
and forty-six, and the independence of the United States the seventieth.

JAMES K. POLK.

By the President,

JAMES BUCHANAN,
Secretary of State.

INSTRUCTIONS OF SECRETARY OF WAR.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, May 16, 1846.

SIR — I have the honor to enclose a copy of an act of Congress entitled
"An act providing for the prosecution of the existing war between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico," which authorizes the Presi
dent to accept the services of volunteers.

It will be perceived that all the officers with volunteers taken into
the service of the United States under this act are to be appointed and
commissioned, or such as have been appointed and commissioned in ac
cordance with the laws of the State from whence they are taken ; and that
the volunteers received into the service of the United States are to have the
organization of the army of the United States. For this exact organization
so far as relates to companies and regiments, please see the memorandum
appended to the law herewith ; to both of which particular attention is
requested; but, under the discretion allowed him, the President has de
cided that the number of private* in all volunteer companies shall be lim
ited to eighty.

On the part of the President. I have to request your Excellency to
cause to be organized at the earliest practicable period, the following
corps of volunteers :

Three regiments of Infantry or Riflemen.

Your Excellency is requested to designate and to communicate prompt
ly to this department some convenient place of rendezvous for moving to
wards Mexico for the several companies as fast as they shall be organized,
where they will be further organized into regiments.

The several corps will be inspected and mustered into the service of
the United States, as far as practicable, by an officer or officers of the
United States Army; when this cannot be done you are requested to desig
nate the inspecting and mustering officers, who will, in every case, be in-

structed to receive no man, under the rank of commissioned officer, who
is in years apparently over forty-five or under eighteen, or who is not in
physical strength and vigor ; nor the horse of any volunteer not appar
ently sound and effective, with the necessary horse equipments or furni
ture.

It is respectfully suggested that public notice of those requirements
of law may prevent much disappointment to the zealous and patriotic citi
zens of your State — multitudes of whom, the President cannot doubt, will
be eager to volunteer.

Should there be any difficulty or considerable delay in obtaining the
amount and description of the force proposed to be received from your
State, you will give the earliest notice thereof to this Department, that
proper steps may be taken to receive them from other sections of the
country.

Some convenient i>oiiit on the Ohio is suggested as the place of ren
dezvous for the several regiments.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. MARCY,
Secretary of War.

His Excellency, James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis.

A PROCLAMATION

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF INDIANA.

WHEREAS, The territory of our common country has been invaded, and
the blood of our citizens has been shed upon our own soil by a hostile
force from the Republic of Mexico after repeated attempts on the part of
the United States for an honorable settlement of all existing differences
with that power, which have been met only with indifference and con
tempt ;

AND WHEREAS, By an act of the Congress of .the United States entitled
"An Act providing for the prosecution of the existing war between the
United States and the Republic of Mexico/' approved on the 13th of the
present month, the President of the United States is authorized, in addi
tion to other provisions therein contained for the prosecution of said war
to a speedy and successful termination, to call for and accept the services
of any number of volunteers, not exceeding 50,000, either as cavalry, ar
tillery, infantry or riflemen :

AND WHEREAS, By a communication from the Secretary of War, dated
the 16th inst., received late last evening, and enclosing a copy of the afore
said act, the undersigned is requested on the part of the President to cause
to be organized at the earliest practicable period, for the aforesaid serv
ice, three regiments of volunteers, to be infantry or riflemen, and to desig
nate some convenient place of rendezvous for moving towards Mexico, for
the several companies, as fast as they shall be organized, where they will
be further organized into regiments preparatory to moving towards Mex
ico; said companies and regiments to be clothed, armed, organized, offi
cered, inspected and mustered into the service, according to the regula-

tions contained in the subjoined memorandum, as gathered from the afore
said requisition and act of Congress.

Now, therefore, I, JAMES WHITCOMB, Governor of the State of Indiana,
do issue this my proclamation, appealing to the citizens of our United
States, by their love of country and of its noble institutions, by their
sense of the wanton and unprovoked invasion of our territory and the
effusion of kindred blood by a foreign and perfidious foe. by their desire
to emulate the deeds of noble daring which have so proudly distinguished
the older members of our confederacy, in our earlier hisiory ; and by their
desire to adopt the best means, under the favor of Divine Providence, for
a speedy termination of the war, and an early restoration of peace, to
form themselves into volunteer companies, with all despatch, for the afore
said service, and to report forthwith to this Department the fact of their
organization, so that early orders may be given them to inarch to New
Albany, in this state, which is hereby designated as the place of rendez
vous, preparatory to moving towards Mexico.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the State to be hereunto affixed at Indianapolis, this 22d day of
May in the year of our Lord 1846, and of the State the twenty-ninth
and of the independence of the United States the seventieth.

JAMES WHI COMB.

By the Governor.

JOHN H. THOMPSON,
Secretary of State.

. MEMORANDUM

Of the organization of volunteer corps under the Act of Congress of 18th

May, 1840, their clothing, arms, pay. mode of appointing

their officers, etc.

I. The volunteers are to furnish their own clothing ; but every non
commissioned officer and private shall in lieu of clothing,, be entitled when
called into actual service, to receive in money a sum equal to the cost of
clothing of a non-commissioned officer or private (as the case may be) in
the regular troops of the United States.

II. They are to serve twelve months .after they shall have arrived at
the place of rendezvous, or to the end of the war, unless sooner dis
charged, according to the time for which they shall have been mustered
into service.

III. While engaged in actual service they shall be subject to the
rules and articles of war, and shall be placed in all respects (except as to
clothing and pay) on the same footing with similar corps of the United
States Army.

IV. They shall be accepted by the President, in companies, battalions
and regiments.

V. The President is authorized to organize the companies into bat
talions, battalions into regiments, regiments into brigades, and brigades

into divisions, as soon as the number of volunteers shall, in his judgment,
render it expedient.

VI. Volunteers received into the service, who shall be wounded or
otherwise disabled in the service, shall be entitled to all the benefits con
ferred on persons wounded in the service of the United States.

VII. The President, under the discretion allowed him, has decided
that the number of privates in all volunteer companies shall be limited
to eighty. Volunteers shall in all other respects have the organization of
the Army of the United States, and the same pay and allowances.

A company of infantry, or riflemen, will consist of 1 captain, 1 first
lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 musicians and
80 privates.

A regiment of infantry (or riflemen) will consist of the following field
and staff officers, viz. : 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 1 adjutant
(a lieutenant of one of the companies, but not in addition), and of the
following non-commissioned staff, viz. : 1 sergeant-major, 1 quartermaster
sergeant, 2 principal musicians, and of 10 companies organized as above.

VIII. The officers of companies, battalions and regiments above
enumerated, shall be appointed in the manner prescribed by the laws of
this state, as nearly as the same are applicable, that is to say :

1. The commissioned officers of each company are to be elected after
the company is full, by a majority of members present, at the time and
place designated by a majority of the company : to be certified to the
adjutant-general by the judges and clerk of the election, as prescribed in
the act relating to the militia and independent companies, approved Jan
uary 15th, 1844, in order that they may be commissioned by the Governor.

'2. The commissioned officers of each regiment shall be elected, or
appointed after the same is full, as prescribed in the last-named act, ex
cepting that such election or appointment may be deferred until the regi
ment is collected at the place of rendezvous, and may be held on shorter
(if general) notice, varied according to circumstances.

o. he staff and non-commissioned officers above enumerated are
to be appointed as in the last-named act is prescribed.

4. When an existing organized company volunteers, its present officers
will he recognized as such, and in that case, vacancies only (if any) need
be filled as above prescribed.

5. All other officers, not above enumerated, such as paymasters, sur
geons, quartermasters, etc.. it is inferred, are appointed only by the proper
United States authorities.

IX. Volunteers shall have the same pay and allowances as the Army
of the United States.

X. The several corps will be inspected and mustered into the serv
ice of the United States by an officer or officers of the United States Army.
When this cannot be done the Governor will designate the inspecting and
mustering officers.

XI. No volunteer will be received, if under the rank of commissioned
officer, who is in years apparently over forty-five or under eighteen, or
who is not in full bodily strength and vigor. The directions from the
Department on this point are imperative.

XII. As soon as a full company is raised and its officers are elected.

the captain should forthwith notify the undersigned of the fact and hold
his command in readiness to march to the place of rendezvous at a mo
ment's warning.

XIII. Arms, accoutrements, ammunition and provisions are to he
furnished to the several companies by the United States.

XIV. No person need wait for further or special authority to raise
a company of volunteers. Should any one desire to accomplish that ob-
ject his success will probably be considered by the company as sufficient
evidence of his standing and fitness for the future command of the same.

XV. Any further directions in the premises that may hereafter be
come necessary or advisable, will be early communicated through the
medium now adopted.

JAMES WHITCOMB.
Indianapolis, May 22, 1846.

"TO AEMS! TO ARMS!"

Inclia/na Democrat, May 22. 1846.

By Thursday evening's mail the Governor received a requisition from
the War Department at Washington for three regiments of infantry or
riflemen from the State of Indiana. His proclamation will appear forth
with and with it will be given all the necessary information for the man
ner of organizing and receiving recruits, and designating the place of
rendezvous, which will be at some point on the Ohio river. Eighty mem
bers constitute a company ; ten companies to a regiment.

PUBLIC MEETING.

Indiana Democrat, May 22, 1SJ>6.

In obedience to a call made early on Monday morning last a very large
number of the citizens of Indianapolis and others from different parts of
the State, now in attendance at the seat of government, assembled at the
court house at three o'clock p. in. ; whereupon, upon motion of Hugh
O'Neal, Esq., General J. P. Drake was called to the chair, and upon motion
of N. Bolton, Esq., John B. DeFrees was appointed secretary. Upon mo
tion of Hugh O'Neal, Esq., it was resolved that a committee of ten be
appointed to report resolutions expressive of the sentiment of the meeting
in regard to the existing war with Mexico. The following gentlemen were
appointed on said committee, to wit: O'Neal, Harris, Keaslee, General
Fuller, Judge Reed, Thomas Dowling, George B. Thompson, General R.
Hanna, Henry S. Lane and Major G. Mace, who immediately retired for
the purpose of preparing suitable resolutions.

A. F. Morrison, Esq., moved that the Acts of Congress passed in rela
tion to the war with Mexico be read, which was agreed to. Mr. Morrison,
by request of the chairman, proceeded to its reading. When read, Hugh
O'Neal, Esq., chairman of the committee appointed for the purpose, sub
mitted the following preamble and resolutions:

"Whereas, The cherished malice of the Mexican Government towards
the people of the Government of the United States has resulted in an
audacious invasion of our territpry by her troops and the shedding of
American blood upon American soil ; therefore, be it

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting: the time has come where
every consideration of duty and patriotism requires us to vindicate with
decision the honor, the rights and interests of our country.

Resolved, That in any conflict involving the National honor, the peo
ple of the West, without regard to political distinction, will be found united
as one man zealously supporting the Government of their country and
rallying around the National flag.

Resolved. That the crisis which has now arisen demands prompt and
energetic measures and we therefore heartily approve of the recommenda
tions of the President that a large and overpowering force should immedi
ately be sent to the seat of war as the best means of bringing the conflict
with Mexico to a speedy termination.

Resolved, That any appeal which may be made to the patriotism of
the people of Indiana, in order to raise the requisite force, will be met
with that promptitude and cheerfulness which has ever characterized the
gallant and indomitable citizens of the West."

Which were concurred in by acclamation. Henry S. Lane being called
by the meeting, addressed it with that peculiar strong and inspiring elo
quence for which he is so distinguished and which is possessed by few
other men of our country.

Judge Peaslee presented the following resolution, which was adopted:

"Resolved. That we expect that the Congress of the United States will
make ample and speedy provisions for raising and maintaining an army
sufficient not only to repel the enemy from our soil, but sufficient to carry
the war into the enemy's country and plant the "star-spangled banner" in
the City of Mexico on the halls of the Montezumas as the best mode to
secure an honorable peace."

Col. Thomas Dowling of Vigo, being called upon, addressed the meet
ing in a few eloquent and patriotic remarks.

Governor Whitcomb was called to the stand and addressed the meet
ing briefly, and in an approving manner he congratulated the meeting upon
the spirit of patriotism which seemed to pervade every one present, and
pledged himself, in the event of a call upon Indiana for troops, to render
all assistance in his power.

General J. P. Drake offered the following resolution, which was unani
mously adopted:

"Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be published
in all of the newspapers in the city and State and that a copy be also
sent by His Excellency the Governor to each of our members of Congress
and the President of the United States."

Upon motion of General R. Hanna the meeting adjourned.

2-18750

18
THE WAR SPIRIT.

Indiana Democrat, May 22, 1846. %

Very large and enthusiastic meetings are being held in most of the
cities and towns all over the country, and from present appearances there
will be no lack of volunteers to overrun a dozen such countries as Mexico.
The Louisville Ledger says that but very few vacancies now remain to be
filled in the various companies organizing there. The St. Louis Organ
gives a cheering account of its city. It says it is thought there will be
no difficulty in raising 1,200 in this city and vicinity ; over 500 had already
been enrolled. By the letter which we publish from Judge Wicks it will
be seen that Indiana will also have an opportunity of furnishing her
share of men to participate in the hardship and reward of their country's
service, and we do not doubt but that many will gladly avail themselves
of it. The only drawback seems to be that the spirited contest will be
ended before the companies could be organized and reach the seat of war.

MADISON BANK VOLUNTEERS $10,000.

BRANCH BANK.
MADISON, May 26, 184(5.

His Excellency James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana :

SIR — The directors of this branch have, by unanimous vote, author
ized me to place at the disposal of your excellency $10,000 as a loan on
the part of this branch, should you find the use of this sum necessary to
aid in facilitating the movement of the Indiana volunteers to the seat of
war with Mexico.

If you should deem it proper to avail yourself of this offer, please do
me the favor to advise me, at your convenience.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. MOORE, Cashier.

EVERYBODY FOR THE WAR.

Madison Banner, May 27, 1846.

The late news from the seat of war is truly encouraging to the
American people. We have achieved several brilliant victories and we
await with much anxiety, and the strong hope of receiving in a few days
news of more victories. We are now all Whigs and all Democrats. We
are American citizens, and as such, right or wrong, we are for our country,
our whole country and nothing but our country. It is not the time to
cavil about party. We are in the midst of a war and we must and will
triumph. Let our whole people be united in raising and sending on troops
as speedily as possible to the seat of war and we confidently believe that
all will soon be well. Then may we talk about, other matters.

19
ONE OF THE FIRST.

Madison Banner, May 27, 1846.

We are gratified to find that Captain Ford is about completing a fine
company of eighty men for Mexican service. They are all young, active
men, glorious sons of the West, who will make the field of battle a field
of glory, "i he citizens of Madison ought to buy them a uniform and not
let them* be at the least expense.

APPOINTMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT,

By and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Washington Union, May 27, 1846.

Resolved. That the Senate advise and consent to the following ap
pointments in the Army of the United States in the regiment of mounted
riflemen or Third Regiment of Dragoons, as authorized by the Act ap
proved May 19, 1846:

John E. Simonson of Indiana to be Captain.

William W. Taylor of Indiana to be First Lieutenant.

Spear S. Tipton of Indiana to be First Lieutenant.

GOVERNOR THANKS MADISON BANK.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.

INDIANAPOLIS. MAY 29, 1840.

.1. M. Moore, Esq., Cashier of the Branch Bank at Madison :

SIR — Your letter of the 26th and postmarked the 27th iust. has been
received, in which you inform me that the directors of the Branch Bank
at Madison, have by unanimous vote authorized you to place at my disposal
$10,000 as a loan on the part of that branch, should I find the use of that
sum necessary to aid in facilitating the movement of the Indiana Volun
teers to the seat of war with Mexico.

In expressing my thanks through you to the officers and directors of
your brnnch for the aid thus tendered, I beg to be informed whether the
directors in offering this loan on the part of your branch, design to rely
on the State of Indiana, or on the United States for its repayment. Please
also to inform me whether I shall be allowed to draw by one or more
officers, as my agents.

I have no doubt that the use of the sum offered will be quite neces
sary in fitting out the volunteers, and in otherwise aiding them in their
movement to the seat of war with Mexico. The want of funds for that
purpose is, within the circle of my observation, the principal embarrass
ment experienced in raising the volunteers.

An answer at your earliest convenience will greatly oblige, dear sir,

Yours, very respectfully.

JAMES WH1TCOMB.

GOVERNOR'S REPLY TO LETTER OF SECRETARY

OF WAR.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
INDIANAPOLIS. IND., MAY 29 184G.

SIR — Your letter of the 15th inst, requesting the raising of three regi
ments of volunteers at the earliest practicable period, to consist of infan
try or riflemen, was duly received.

I immediately took measures for an early compliance with the requisi
tion, and now enclose you a copy of my proclamation calling for volun
teers. I beg to be informed, at. your earliest convenience, whether any
part of the memorandum annexed to the proclamation herewith enclosed,
conflicts with any portion of the Act of Congress of the 13th inst. or
with your letter or the memorandum therein enclosed, according to the
construction or understanding of the War Department ; whether the of
ficers above the rank of colonel are to be appointed by the United States
authorities or under the laws of this State ; whether moneys advanced
by individuals or banks to aid the volunteers in clothing and subsisting
themselves until they reach the place of rendezvous, will probably be re
paid by the United States ; whether stores, provisions and camp equipage
will be furnished to the volunteers on and after their arriving at the place
of rendezvous ; and if so, at what time may such articles be expected to be
found there?

The best spirit prevails among our citizens, and I am confident the
whole number required from Indiana would soon be raised if means could
be obtained to clothe and subsist the men until they should be actually
mustered into service. As it is I will not suffer myself to doubt that our
quota will be furnished, but it would greatly expedite and facilitate the
organizing of the regiments if means could be obtained for the purpose
referred to, or some expectation could be entertained that money ad
vanced for that purpose would be reimbursed by the General Government.

It will be seen that New Albany is mentioned in my proclamation as
the place of rendezvous. Subsequent information, however, has satisfied
me that "Old Fort Clark," which lies directly opposite Louisville on the
Ohio River, about three miles above New Albany, and a little to the soutli
of Jeffersonville, is the best point for that purpose, and with your con
sent I will substitute it for New Albany.

In the memorandum enclosed in your letter the number of privates in
a company was limited to eighty, but in your circular to the Governors of
different States, as lately published, the number is fixed at sixty-four. Be
pleased to inform me whether this discrepancy has been caused by a cler
ical error.

An early reply is respectfully solicited.

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient servant.

JAMES WHITCOMB.

To the Hon. Wm. S. Marcy, Secretary of War, Washington City.

21
MARION VOLUNTEERS.

Democrat, May 29, 1846.

About one hundred volunteers are already enrolled at Indianapolis, and
it is expected that the number will be largely increased tomorrow. Two
companies are likely to be organized in this city without delay. A com
pany of volunteers is nearly organized at Greencastle, Putnam County,
two companies are said to be formed at New Albany, two companies are
reported ready for service at Evansville and the work goes bravely on.

PUBLIC MEETING IN ADVANCE OF THE CALL.

Madison Courier, May 30, 1846,

On the evening of the 20th inst. a very large number of the citizens of
Madison attended a meeting at the court house in obedience to a previous
call. The meeting was organized by calling the Hon. William Hendricks
to the chair and appointing James D. Glass as secretary, and thereupon
the chairman called the attention of the audience to the meeting.

The meeting was addressed by Gen. Milton Stapp in a clear, forci
ble and happy manner, and his speech was responded to by loud and re
peated cheers. He closed with an appeal to our citizens to volunteer their
services to defend our national honor and rights, and on motion the meet
ing was adjourned to meet at the court house on Saturday evening, 23d
inst., at early candle lighting.

Madison Courier, May SO,

Captain Suire was drumming up volunteers yesterday to fill his or
ganization. Success to him. May his fine company all stand to the work
and none be found flinching.

Madison Courier, May 30, 1846.

Captain Ford will soon be off. He is a brave fellow. There is fight in
all his men ; bravery and perseverance characterize them all.

T. L. SULLIVAN.

Madison Courier, May 30, 1846.

The company under this gentleman, we understand, is now complete.
They will be off in a few days. A better company cannot be found; all
stout, patriotic men.

COLONEL CHURCHILL APPOINTED MUSTERING

OFFICER,

HEADQUARTERS E. D. OF THE ABMY,

NEW YORK, May 31, 1846.

SIR — I have the honor to communicate for your information that I
have been, by order of the President of the United States, directed to
superintend the inspecting and mustering into the service of the United

States the volunteers or militia called for from your State, viz., three
regiments of foot.

To facilitate this service, I have ordered Colonel Churchill, Inspector-
General U. S. Army, to proceed to your State for the purpose of inspect
ing and mustering into service the regiments expected to rendezvous at
some point on the Ohio River, to be designated by your Excellency.

I shall be in the city of Cincinnati as early as the 5th of June, when
I will be pleased to receive any communication you may deem proper on
this subject, or any other, relating to the volunteers to be received into the
service.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL,
Brigadier-General U. S. Army.

To His Excellency, James Whitcomb, Indianapolis, Indiana.

BBANCH BANK,
INDIANAPOLIS, June 1, 184(>.
His Excellency, James Whitcomb :

Yours of this date has been received, desiring this bank to advance
means to equip and send forward troops to the seat of war with Mexico.
Our board have been convened for that purpose and have unanimously
agreed to advance ?! 0,000, 'if necessary, to be applied to the clothing, sub
sisting and removing to the point they may be ordered, such portion of the
three regiments of volunteers lately called for through the War Depart
ment from Indiana, as may be raised or concentrated at this point. Which
funds, our board desire me to state, shall be paid to your order, at such
times and in such sums as you may deem advisable; this bank looking to
the State and United States government for repayment.

Very respectfully yours,

CALVIN FLETCHER, President.

BRANCH BANK,
MADISON, June 2, 184(5.

His Excellency, James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana :

SIR — Your letter of the 20th May is received. We shall consider the
loan as made to the State of Indiana, and look to her for payment.

So soon as you return to me, duly signed by yourself under the seal
of State, with the countersign of the Treasurer of State, the enclosed cer
tificate, the sum of $10,000 will be placed to your credit as Governor and
subject to your official check.

Very respectfully,

J. F. D. LANIER, President.

23
RESPOND RAPIDLY.

Indiana Sentinel, June 3, 1846.

Twelve companies have already reported themselves to Governor
Whitcomb and tonight's mail may bring in others ; no doubt that twice or
thrice more will be offered than can be received.

The branches of the State Bank at Indianapolis and Madison have
offered $10,000 each to assist in forwarding these brave men, and as much
as will be needed will be drawn by the Executive. The Governor offered
to give $1,000 of his private funds for that purpose, but the generous offer
of the banks, which will no doubt be nobly sustained by the State, will
avoid the necessity of individual subscription.

GOVERNOR'S CIRCULAR TO THE BANKS.

INDIANAPOLIS, June 3, 1846.

DEAR SIR — In view of the exigency of the present crisis, may I ask
you to respectfully convene the directors of the — — Branch of the State
Bank of Indiana at the earliest practicable period, and to lay before them
for their action the enclosed letter addressed to yourself and them jointly
soliciting a loan in relation to the volunteers lately called for from this
State.

I am, dear sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JAMES WHIICOMB.

To— — , President ot the — - Branch of the State Bank of Indiana.

(The following circular was enclosed in each of the foregoing:)

INDIANAPOLIS, June 3, 1846.

GENTLEMEN — In relation to the organization of the three regiments of
volunteers lately called for through the War Department from Indiana, I
desire respectfully to ask whether the - - Branch of the State Bank
of Indiana will advance as a loan, looking to the United States or to the
State of Indiana, or both, for repayment, any sum, and if so, what sum
of money, to aid in clothing, removing and subsisting said volunteers or
any portion of them, until they reach the seat of war with Mexico, or until
they are clothed and subsisted by the authorities of the United States?
If this question is answered in the affirmative, I am desirous that the loan
may be applied at the very earliest practicable period, to the above named
objects; and therefore I beg to know, in addition, whether the loan shall
be subject to my draft or to that of one or more commissaries, officers or
agents, by me or your branch appointed for that purpose, or in what
manner you wish the money applied or expended for the purpose above
indicated.

I am, gentlemen, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JAMES WHITCOMB.

To the President and Directors of the - - Branch of the State
Bank of Indiana.

24
ARMING THE VOLUNTEERS.

ORDNANCE OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, 4th June, 184G.

The Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana:

SIR — I have the honor to inform you of the following orders, which
have been issued from this office for providing arms, accoutrements and
ammunition tor the volunteers of Indiana (three regiments of foot), called
into the service of the United States :

1st. To the officer commanding Baton Rouge arsenal (it being a depot
lying in the route of these volunteers) to supply the regiment with muskets
and accoutrements for the whole, or with rifles and accoutrements for the
two flank companies of each regiment, and muskets and accoutrements for
the rest; with forty cartridge* and two flints to each gun issued.

2d. To send forward from Baton Rouge arsenal to depot at Point
Isabel, for the supplies of cartridges and flints for the Indiana troops and
others, which are to take that route.

Not knowing the names or address of the gentlemen whom your
Excellency may have appointed to command the volunteers of your State,
I have to request that you will give them early information of the meas
ures adopted to supply their arms, accoutrements and ammunition.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. TALCO ' T,
Lieutenant-Colonel of Ordnance.

P. S. — These troops are to call at the Baton Rouge arsenal for their
arms on their route to the seat of war.

CAMP COMMISSARY APPOINTED.

New Albany Democrat, June

We understand that Thomas L. Smith, of this city, has been author
ized by Governor Whitcomb to act as commissary for providing the neces
sary accommodations and subsistence for the troops expected to rendezvous
at this city until they are received and provided for by the general Gov
ernment. We learn also that means will be provided and that Mr. Smith
will in all probability receive his instructions and enter upon the execu
tion of his duties in the course of a day or two.

IlFADQFARTKRS INDIANA MlLITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, INIX, June 4, 1846.
General Order No. 1.

Numerous inquiries in relation to the organization of the three regi
ments of volunteers called for from this State, which it is impracticable
to answer by letter, render it necessary to give the following general in
formation to all concerned in addition to that contained in the Governor's
Proclamation :

I. By existing laws and regulations each volunteer is to furnish his
<»\vu clothing for one year, for which, if a private or non-commissioned
officer, he is to be paid by the United States, when called into actual serv
ice, a sum of money equal to the cost of clothing of a non-commissioned
officer or private (as the case may be) in the regular army, understood to
be not less than thirty-six dollars per year.

II. In Ohio and Kentucky it is understood that no public aid has
been given in advance to soldiers who are unable to furnish their own
clothing. But, knowing that cases will sometimes occur when the volun
teer cannot out of his own means, or by arrangement with friends, procure
the necessary clothing, and the country might in consequence lose the serv
ices of a brave citizen, it is ordered that ten dollars may be drawn for each
soldier who requires it. by the Captain or senior officer of the company,
who will retain the amount out of the clothing account of the volunteer
thus furnished for the purpose of refunding the same to the party loaning
it, under such regulations as may be hereafter given. This sum will pur
chase a suit for a private which, with his ordinary clothing, will suffice
until he is further supplied at the place of rendezvous.

III. Each volunteer who requires it will also be allowed one dollar
to be drawn in like manner for the purchase of cooking and eating uten
sils, etc., for the proper mess or company.

IV. Duplicate receipts for all articles thus purchased are to be taken,
specifying the items and prices separately (and receipts for clothing sepa
rate from the others), one of which is to be forwarded to the Governor to
authorize the disbursement. A regular account must also be kept for all
such expenditures.

V. Agents or commissaries, now or hereafter appointed, for the pro
curement of subsistence, are to take duplicate receipts specifying the items
and prices, one of which is to be forwarded to the Governor for final ad
justment.

VI. The volunteers of each company will adopt such uniform as they
may select. The officers are requested, on the score of economy, as well
as appearances, to conform in their uniform, arms and equipments to those
adopted by the officers of similar corps in the United States Army. No
delay need occur for the want of uniforms, etc.. as they can doubtless be
procured of the proi>er kind, and on short notice, at the place of rendez
vous, if they cannot be conveniently obtained at home. The utmost activ
ity in preparation is enjoined.

VII. The number of privates in each company raised in Indiana has
been limited by the President to eighty (not sixty-four, as by some sup
posed), which, with one captain, one first and one second lieutenant, four
sergeants, four corporals and two musicians, will make ninety-three in a
company. As soon as a company is full officers should be elected, a return
made to the Adjutant-General, and the commissions procured. As soon as
the Captain notifies the Adjutant-General that his company is full and or
ganized, a letter will be addressed to him. accepting the services of his
company, and so far as the action or influence of the Governor can be
legally exercised, the pay of the company by the United States shall com
mence, and the soldiers be regarded as in the service of the United States.

VIII. Each company, after being organized, and its officers cominis-

sioned, may inarch immediately to the place of rendezvous, where exer
tions will be used to provide subsistence for the troops, and every com
pany is required to be at that place as early as Saturday, the 20th day of
the present month, to be mustered into service on the 22d.

IX. After the companies meet at the place of rendezvous they will
be formed into regiments, ten in each. The officers and privates of each
regiment will then proceed to elect its colonel, lieutenant-colonel and
major, who will be thereupon commissioned by the Governor.

X. As the various officers attached to the volunteer corps are ap
pointed under the laws of the respectives States, all the staff officers of a
regiment, such as the surgeon, surgeon's mate, adjutant, quartermaster,
etc., are appointed by the Colonel. And the brigade staff will be appointed
by the Brigadier-General, should there be any. No appointments whatever
are made by the Governor.

XI. In some counties only parts of regiments will perhaps be formed.
These might join and form whole companies at some convenient point on
the way to the place of rendezvous, if not sooner and more conveniently
done by mutual understanding. The following places are recommended for
such points of concentration : Fort Wayne, Logansport, Lafayette, Terre
Haute, Indianapolis, Centreville, Lawrenceburg, Bedford, Vincennes, Evans-
ville and Rome. As soon as a company is full by the junction of frac
tional or imperfect companies, it will proceeed to elect its officers and
march to New Albany. There is no objection, if preferred, however, that
a company, even if full, should march to that point before electing its
officers.

Companies within convenient range will, by taking Indianapolis on
their route to New Albany, find comfortable quarters for temporary rest
and refreshment, and suitable military instruction, use of arms, etc., until
they resume their march.

XII. Some sixteen companies have already reported themselves either
as full or so nearly full that they are doubtless now complete.

From present appearances more volunteers will be raised in Indiana
than have been called for. Companies therefore will be accepted in the
order in which they are reported to the undersigned as full. All desirous
of a campaign, therefore, will perceive the necessity of immediate action.

All necessary correspondence, when despatch is necessary, should be
addressed, not to the Governor, but to the undersigned, who will be able
to give his undivided attention to the matter.

By order. DAVID REYNOLDS,

Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

Since the above was in type the following has been received by the
Governor, by which it will be perceived that the Adjutant's reconimenda
tion is not only proper, but that even greater expedition should be used b.v
our gallant volunteers to concentrate at New Albany as early as possible,
where provision is in readiness :

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

WASHINGTON, May 20, 1846.
His Excellency, the Governor of Indiana :

SIR — Knowing the interest your Excellency takes in the volunteer
corps called into the service of the United States and presuming that the

information contained in the general order upon the subject may be ac
ceptable, by direction of the Secretary of War I herewith respectfully for
ward a copy.

I have the honor to be very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

R. JONES Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
General Orders No. 15. WASHINGTON. May 29, 1846.

I. Instructions have already been given to Brigadier-General Wool,
and through him to several officers placed at his disposition, for the early
inspection and muster into the service of the United States of the quotas
of twelvemonth volunteers, who have been called for by the President of
the United States, from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois. Tennessee and
Mississippi, and who may present themselves for acceptance under that
call, at the rendezvous of those States respectively.

II. Instructions have also been given to other officers of the army to
inspect and muster the quotas called for in like manner from Georgia, Ala
bama and Arkansas.

III. As soon as inspected and mustered, as above, the several regi
ments and battalions of volunteer horse and foot will, without delay, be
put en route as follows:

IV. The regiments of cavalry or mounted men called for from Ken
tucky and Tennessee will, from their respective State rendezvous, take up
their lines of march, by the best routes, via Memphis, Little Rock, on the
Arkansas, Fulton, on the Red River, and Robin's Ferry, on the Trinity
River, upon San Antonio de Bexar, Texas. The regiment of cavalry or
mounted men called for from Arkansas will, from the State rendezvous
(say) Washington, take the same route from Fulton to San Antonio de
Bexar.

V. Excepting one regiment of the Kentucky and one of the Illinois
quotas of foot, to which Brigadier-General Wool is charged with giving
different routes, and also excepting the Arkansas battalian, which will re
ceive instructions through Brevet Brigadier-General Arbuckle. all the other
regiments and battalions of volunteer infantry or rifle, called for from the
said States, will be embarked at the nearest navigable points to their re
spective State rendezvous, and thence proceed by water with or without
transhipment at Mobile or New Orleans, to Point Isabel or Brasos Santi
ago, Texas, where, like the troops ordered to San Antonio de Bexar, the
whole will come under the orders of the general officer in the chief com
mand of the United States land forces operating against Mexico.

VI. The chiefs of the general staff of the army at this place will
each in what concerns his department, charge himself, through his subor
dinates, with supplying the said volunteers (horse and foot) the neces
sary* arms, accoutrements, ammunition, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens
(for water), camp equipage, subsistence, medicines and hospital stores and
means of transportation by land and water according to the routes and
destinations and according to law and regulations.

By command of Major-General Scott.

R. JONES, Adjutant-General.

28
MORE VOLUNTEERS.

Democrat, June 5,

The Marion Volunteers, Captain James ". Drake, are now perform
ing drill and camp duty and are engaged in uniforming themselves prepara
tory to marching.

We are semi -officially informed of the organization of companies as
follows: At Shelbyville, one ; at Brookville, one; Martinsville, one ; New
Albany, two ; Evansville, two ; Madison, one ; Delphi, one ; Vernon, one ;
Paoli, one; Peru, one, making in all so far twenty companies.

The Washington Guards of Madison, commanded by Captain Ford,
received their commissions some days since. Several other towns are busy
raising companies, and it is expected that before another week closes the
whole required force will be obtained. Hurry or you will be too late. It
is expected that another company will be raised in Marion County.

ANSWERS THE GOVERNOR'S QUESTIONS.

WAR DEPARTMENT, June 5, 1846.

SIR — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
29th ultimo, enclosing a copy of your proclamation for raising the quota
of volunteers asked of Indiana ; requesting to know whether the memo
randum appended thereto is correct, and making specific inquiries on sev
eral points, which I proceed to answer.

The memorandum is regarded as correct. The general officers of vol
unteers, when necessary, are to be appointed by the State authorities, but
none are at present required from Indiana. There is no authority for
paying anything on account of volunteers prior to their being mustered
into service, except one day's pay and allowances for every twenty miles
traveled from their homes to the place of rendezvous, which cannot, how
ever, be paid until they have been mustered. Subsistence, camp equipage,
etc., will be furnished the volunteers on and after their arrival at the place
of rendezvous, and General Wool of the army has proceeded West to make
all the requisite arrangements for mustering, subsisting and furnishing the
volunteers from Indiana, and before this reaches you, he will probably
have communicated with you on the subject. You will have been advised
by my letter of the 1st inst. that the published statement to which you
refer, limiting the number of privates of companies to sixty-four, does not
apply to the volunteers requested from your State.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.

His Excellency, James Whitcomb. Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis,
Indiana.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., June 5, 1846.
General Order No. 2.

The arrival of Colonel Churchill, Inspector-General of the United States
Army, at this place since issuing General Order No. 1 of yesterday, to
whom is assigned the inspecting and mustering of volunteers into the serv
ice, renders' it proper to modify some of the previous regulations and to
add a few others.

I. The officer procuring clothing for a volunteer whose condition may
require it, should take from him triplicate receipts (three). One is to be
retained by the Captain or senior officer as a voucher to deduct so much
from the first payment made to the volunteer, or if the arrangement can
be made, it is preferred that the amount be retained in the hands of the
United States Paymaster, to be deposited to the credit of the State and
subject to the draft of the Governor. The second receipt is to be for
warded to the War Department, Washington City, and the third is to be
filed in the office of the Secretary of State, Indianapolis.

II. If the clothing is procured by a quartermaster or commissary a
fourth receipt is to be retained by him.

III. A supplemental bill is introduced and will doubtless pass Con
gress, raising the pay of each private in a volunteer company to ten dol
lars per month.

IV. Every volunteer will be paid twenty-five cents per day in lieu
of rations, and also his daily pay of thirty-three cents, making fifty-five
cents per day in going with his company (after the same is organized) to
the place of rendezvous. Twenty miles in the most direct traveled route
is regarded as a day. No allowance will be made for transportation as
such.

V. Similar and separate receipts will also be taken for cooking and
eating utensils, should the same be procured by any company before arriv
ing at the place of rendezvous, as it is supposed the United States will re
ceive and pay for one coffee-pot, one camp-kettle and one short frying-pan
for each mess of six.

VI. Similar and separate receipts will also be taken for subsistence
and transportation to the place of rendezvous, in order that the amount
may be retained in like manner from the first payment.

VII. Of course no such receipt or deduction from his pay will be re
quired where the soldier furnishes everything himself in reaching the place
of rendezvous, as required by the United States' regulations in relation to
volunteers.

VIII. By the expected supplemental act of Congress each private,
musician and non-commissioned officer will receive three dollars and fifty
cents per month, or forty-two dollars per year, in lieu of clothing.

IX. Commissaries now or hereafter appointed by the Governor should,
in furnishing rations, conform as nearly as practicable to those established
in the regular service. They certainly need not exceed those in cost, pur
chased, as they will be. in the West, and from first hands.

X. A dress or parade uniform is never required in actual service and
will not be used in this campaign by either officer or private. To pur-

chase such would therefore be a useless expense. For uniforms for service
a cloth or forage cap and a gray mixed, or sky blue jeans hunter's frock
coat and pantaloons without straps is suggested (not required) for neat
ness and comfort. The coat reaching half down the thigh, double-breasted,
double row of white military buttons, eagle stamped, or black mold but
tons, made to button close around the throat. For non-commissioned offi
cers, same as above, only the sergeants to wear white worsted epaulets on
each shoulder and the pants to have a white worsted stripe one and one-
half inches wide down the sides. Corporals to wear epaulets, but not the
stripes. The orderly sergeant is distinguished by a red worsted sash on
duty. Each soldier to have a blanket.

XI. Companies already uniformed in whole or in part, or to uniform
which steps have been taken, had better make no change.

XII. A company will be considered as full with sixty-four privates,
only with one captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals and
two musicians, making seventy-seven in all. As some may be rejected by
the officer mustering them into the service, it is recommended that there be
four or five more to make up any such deficiency.

XIII. The overplus afforded by companies already organized with a
greater number, as some have been with eighty privates, might be de
tached to form another company.

XIV. Companies formed by fractions thus detached will have prece
dence in being received into the service according to the age of the com
pany from which they are detached.

XV. Companies are enjoined to inarch to the place of rendezvous as
soon as possible. The day of its arrival should be noted, as the men and
officers will be paid and subsisted by the United States from that day in
clusive. Every company must be there by the 20th inst., but, as before
remarked, sooner if possible.

XVI. All concerned will be governed by the proclamation and memo
randum thereto annexed, and the General Order No. 1, except so far as any
part of either is modified or abrogated by this order.

XVII. Tents, provisions, fuel and camp equipage may be expected at
New Albany for the accommodation of the troops as fast as they may
reach that point.

XVI II. Any further regulations or changes that may be made by the
General Government will doubtless be duly communicated.

By order. DAVID REYNOLDS.

Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

THE RIGHT SPIRIT.

Indiana Sentinel, June 6, 184 6.

We learn that Brigadier-General Ishani Fuller, residing at Booueville,
and commanding the Twelfth Brigade, First Division, Indiana Militia, has
reported himself at the Adjutant-General's office and desires that his serv
ices be tendered to the President as a volunteer in the Mexican War, to
go at the head of his brigade, or as colonel, or as captain, or as a private

soldier, in whichever capacity it may be thought that he can render the
most efficient service to his country. This is the spirit of true patriotism.
At Evansville on the very first news of the war a volunteer company
organized themselves under Captain Walker and at once tendered their
services to the President.

THE LADIES.

Madison Courier, June 6, 18 46.

We are indeed very much pleased to see the exertion made by the la
dies of our city to assist W. Ford's company of volunteers. It was only on
last Wednesday that the company decided on the uniform, and we under
stand that every man is now furnished with his suit, all made by the
band of ladies. This speaks much for the industry and philanthropy of our
ladies. Whatever they undertake they accomplish.

BRANCH BANK.
BEDFORD. IND.. June 0. 1846.
Hon. James Whitcomb :

DEAR STR — This morning I received your communications under date
of the third instant.

Owing to the absence of the President of this Branch, and the illness
of some of the Board of Directors, it may be some days before a quorum
can be convened in order to act upon the matter presented to their con
sideration in your letters.

I shall, however, take the earliest opportunity of having their decision,
and advise you of the result.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

D. R. DUNIHTJE. Cashier.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.. June 8. 1846.
General Order No. 3.

I. By instructions from the War Department of the 1st inst. it is re
garded as desirable that each company of volunteers shall consist of eighty
privates, but the officer who is sent to muster them into service is in
structed to receive companies of a less number, but not under sixty-four
privates.

II. When a uniform is adopted by a company, the same material will
answer for that of the commissioned officers, making the usual variations
in the trimmings. For instance: In case of the adoption of the gray
mixed or blue jeans frock coat mentioned in Section 10 of General Order
No. 2 the officer might wear a similar coat with a single instead of a
double row of buttons in front.

III. The fewer utensils and the less baggage of all kinds (except
suitable clothing) that can be taken from home to the place of rendezvous

the better for the soldier, as the United States will furnish all necessary
articles of the kind at that point, and those taken, unless of the proper
description, will not be paid for by the United States. As in that case
they would be cast aside, they will be a useless expense.

IV. When the volunteer is unable, it would be far better for his
friends, and especially his comrades, to furnish his clothing, as we are
assured by the Inspector-General that the amount could be deducted from
his first pay and paid over to the person advancing it. This would save
the trouble of delay of receipts, accounts, etc., and the advance or loan
would be perfectly safe.

V. Colonel Churchill, Inspector-General of the United States Army
(aided by Lieutenant Hammond), has been appointed to inspect, receive
and muster into the service the companies of volunteers from this State.
He will attend at New Albany for that purpose by the 22d instant at far
thest. Consonant with instructions from the War Department, the Gov
ernor has therefore no appointment to make of mustering or receiving
officers.

VI. There are yet wanting a few companies to make up the comple
ment of volunteers from Indiana. But no doubt exists that the whole
number will be raised in ample time.

VII. The commander in chief will in due time repair to the place of
rendezvous to aid in their final organization. Meanwhile he congratulates
his fellow citizens on this auspicious commencement of our efforts and
exertions to support our national honor and our national rights, and ten
ders his thanks in behalf of the State and of himself to our brave volun
teers for rallying with so much promptitude, zeal and enthusiasm to tho
standard of their country.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

June, 1846.

"DEARBORN VOLUNTEERS."

(Company K, 3d Regiment.)

From History of Dearborn County.

Immediately on the proclamation of President Polk calling for three
regiments from Indiana, James H. Lane, then a merchant of Lawrence-
burg, organized a company (K) of volunteers for the Mexican War, and
was the first to report to the Governor the organization of a company.
Jeffersonville was made the place of rendezvous, where, on the organiza
tion of the Third Indiana Volunteer Regiment, James H. Lane was elected
its Colonel, and George Dunn, of Lawrenceburg, succeeded Lane in the
captaincy of the company. The regiment went immediately to Mexico, and
participated in the battle of Buena Vista. At the commencement of the
battle the Third Regiment' was placed in the reserve ; during the progress
of the battle a number of brigades were forced back, and the Third Regi
ment was ordered to the front and maintained its position during the en
tire battle. * * *

A second call was made upon Indiana the following year for soldiers,
and Ebenezer Duniont, of Lawrenceburg, organized and reported a com
pany for service. * * *

On the organization of the regiment — the Fourth Indiana Volunteers —
Ebenezer Dumont was elected Lieutenant-Colonel. * * *

The term of enlistment of the Third Regiment having expired, it, with
the Colonel, returned to Indiana. Colonel Lane, by the authority of the
President, then organized from all parts of the State the Fifth Regiment
Indiana Volunteers, one company of which was from Dearborn County.
The place of rendezvous of the regiment was at Madison, where James H.
Lane was elected Colonel of the regiment. The regiment was at once or
dered to the front and joined the main army of General Scott at the City
of Mexico. The regiment, together with the Fourth, remained in the serv
ice until peace was declared.

The Fifth Regiment, while yet in Mexico, held a meeting of its offi
cers and men and voted their Colonel, James H. Lane, a sword to cost
$1,000. The funds were placed in the hands of a committee, which pur
chased the sword and presented it to Lane on his return from the war.

May, 1846.

"INDIANA RIFLEMEN."

(Company K, 2d Regiment.)

From History Vanderburgh County.

The President called on Indiana for three regiments of volunteers, and
Governor James Whitcomb, on May 22, 1846, issued his proclamation, ap
pealing to the citizens to volunteer, and designating New Albany as the
place of rendezvous. On Saturday afternoon, following the publication of
the proclamation, a public meeting was held in the court house in Evans-
ville to adopt measures for raising volunteers, and by June 7 a company
had been raised and left for New Albany on the steamer "Thomas Met-
calfe." The company was the first to reach the place of rendezvous. It
was called the Indiana Riflemen. Its officers were : Captain, William
Walker; First Sergeant, J. A. Epperson; Second Sergeant, G. W. Peck;
and the ranks were full of fine looking men. It was composed of 100 men,
and such was the anxiety to join Captain Walker that it was believed he
could with ease have formed a regiment. When the three regiments called
for were formed seventeen additional companies offered their services, but
could not be accepted. The "Spencer Greys," of New Albany, was a crack
company. Its sharpshooter challenged the Riflemen to produce his equal
in a trial of skill with the rifle. Martin Stinson stepped forth and beat
the challenger twice out of three shots. Joseph Lane, then in the State
Senate, left his seat there, enlisted in the ranks and took his first lessons
in company drill from Captain Walker. He was rapidly promoted by the
men and officers of his regiment, and was appointed Brigadier-General by
the President. At that time he was considered a "sensible man, of good
address, but destitute of military knowledge," but his gallantry and manly
character soon won for him a proud place in the nation's history,

3-18750

June, 18.',6,

CASS COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

(Company G, 1st Regiment.)

I- loin History Cass County.

The news of the declaration of war by the United States and of the
Governor's proclamation reached Logansport without delay. Capt. Spier S.
Tipton immediately commenced the enlistment of volunteers for the war.
Military enthusiasm ran high, and there was little delay in making up the
roll of one complete company. On the 8th of June following the company
left for the seat of war under command of Captain Tipton. For several
days previously it had been announced that the boys would leave on that
day, and as a consequence the town was full of people from all parts of
the county to witness their departure. They left by way of the Michigan
Road, south to Indianapolis, thence to New Albany, the place of ren
dezvous for the Indiana soldiers prior to taking transportation for the
seat of war. UIHHI reaching that point Captain '; ipton having received an
appointment as Lieutenant in the regular army, and accepting it, made a
vacancy in the captaincy of the company, which, however, was supplied
by the election of Stanislaus Dasselle to that position. On the 19th of
June the company was mustered into the service of the United States by
Captain Churchill, of the United States Army. * * * When mustered
into service the company contained ninety-two men : when mustered out
fifty-seven men, thirty-one having been discharged on account of ill health
and three died in Mexico — W. B. Buchanan, Dyer Barrett and Caleb P.
Hopkinson.

LAWEENCEBUEG BANK AIDS HOME COMPANY.

BRANCH OF THE STATE BANK OF INDIANA,

LAWRENCEBURG, June 8, 1846.

To His Excellency. James Whitcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana:
SIR — I have embraced the earliest opportunity to convene the Board
of Directors of this branch and lay before them your communication of the
3d instant, and now beg to present you with a copy of resolutions passed
by them in relation thereto, which you will find enclosed.

In compliance with the third resolution. I have advanced to Captain
James II. Lane, of the Dearborn Volunteers, ui>on his check (the dupli
cate of which you will find enclosed), seven hundred and forty dollars, to
enable him to equip and remove the volunteers under his command. The
remaining nine thousand two hundred and sixty dollars will be paid on
presentation of your draft or drafts.
I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

II. K. HOBBS, Cashier.

DAVID REYNOLDS

ADJUTANT-GENERAL

BRANCH OF THE STATE BANK OF INDIANA,

LAWRENCEBURG, June 8, 1846.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of this branch held this day,
the following resolutions were unanimously passed :

Resolved, That the cashier honor the draft of James Whitcoinb, Gov
ernor of this State, to the amount of ten thousand dollars, for the purpose
of equipping and supplying the volunteers called for from this State
through the War Department.

Resolved, That such advance shall be considered as a loan to the State
of Indiana, to be repaid at such time and in such manner as may here
after be provided for by the Legislature, or by the general government.

Resolved, That the Captain of the Dearborn Volunteers be authorized
to draw for the sum necessary to equip and remove his company to the
place of rendezvous in this State ; this advance to be considered a part of
the above ten thousand dollars.

Attest: H. K. HOBBS, Cashier.

(Duplicate.)
$740. LAWRENCEBURG, June 8, 1846.

Cashier of the Lawrenceburg Branch of the State Bank of Indiana,
pay this, my duplicate check (original unpaid) to the order of James H.
Lane, seven hundred and forty dollars, and charge the same to the State
of Indiana, on account of advance made by your branch to aid in equipping
and removing the volunteers called for from this State through the War
Department, that being the amount necessary for the equipage and re
moval of the volunteers under my command.

JAMES H. LANE,
Captain Dearborn Volunteers.

MICHIGAN CITY BANK DECLINES TO LOAN.

BRANCH BANK,
MICHIGAN CITY, June 9, 1846.

SIR — Your favor of the 3d inst. is this day received by me and laid
before the Board of Directors of this branch. They decline making the
advance or loan asked for.

Respectfully, etc..

A. P. ANDREW. JR.. Cashier.
To His Excellencv, J. Whitcoinb.

VINCENNES BANK WILLING BUT UNABLE.

BRANCH BANK,
VIXCENNES. June 9, 1846.

DEAR SIR — Your communication of 3d inst. came to hand last mail,
and was laid before our directors at their meeting last evening. After giv
ing the subject due consideration, they instructed me to reply that the

present condition of tho finances of the bank is such as to render it im
practicable to advance any means for the purposes indicated without em
barrassing and perhaps jeopardizing the interests of the institution.

The heavy amount advanced for produce operations the past season,
from which scarcely anything has yet been realized in return, has so ab
sorbed and reduced the means of the bank as to compel a discontinuance
for a while of its ordinary business facilities. Besides, we are required
by an order of the State Bank at its late session, to call in thirty thousand
dollars of circulation by the 10th of August next. All the active means
which can be brought to our aid in complying with this requisition will be
indispensable. In view of the above facts, together with the gloomy pros
pect for realizing our bills, the directors feel reluctant to enter into an
engagement which they might not be able to perform or comply with.

The State is indebted to this bank $10,000, due about the 12th of Au
gust next, to meet which the money is probably in the Treasury at this
time. If so, and you can arrange with the Treasurer for $5,000 upon condi
tion that we will give further time upon that amount, say six months, the
bank will have no objection ; the bank to be concerned in the arrangement
only so far as the extension of the time for the payment to the bank by
the Treasurer to the amount of the $5,000;

Hoping that you will experience no serious difficulty in obtaining all
necessary means for present purposes, I am, with much respect,

Yours very truly,

JOHN ROSS, Cashier.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., June 10, 1846.
General Orders No. 4.

I. According to instructions just received from the War Department
dated the 5th inst., no general officer of volunteers will be required, or is
deemed necessary, from Indiana at present.

II. No authority exists under the United States laws for paying any
thing on account of volunteers, prior to their being mustered into service,
except (as heretofore stated) one day's pay and allowance for every twen
ty miles traveled from their homes to the place of rendezvous, which can
not, however, be paid by the United States until they have been mus
tered.

III. When a company or a volunteer may need aid, however, the
necessary assistance will be advanced by the Governor, as has heretofore
been stated; but it is necessary that triplicate vouchers or receipts should
in all cases be taken by the commandant of the company, or commissary,
not only to justify the disbursement, but also as a means of a final settle
ment with the proper authorities.

IV. Where this aid, however, is rendered to all the company, as in the
case of subsistence or transportation, the receipt may be taken in gross,
from the furnisher of the subsistence or transportation, as the expense
can in that case be averaged among all the company. But whether the
aid is rendered to all or to a part, or to a single volunteer, the names and

liulnber of those benefited should be noted, ;<s the amount, as heretofore
stated, is to be dediu-ted from the pay of the party benefited in the hands
of the United States' Paymaster.

V. Subsistence, camp equipage, etc., will be furnished the volunteers
on and after their arrival at the place of rendezvous, as stated by the
Secretary of War.

VI. But one or two, possibly three, companies are now wanting to
complete the thirty companies called for from Indiana, and as it is known
that a much greater number of companies are on the eve of being reported
as full and organized, no doubt exists that the entire quota will be raised
— most probably within twenty-four hours from this time. No necessity
therefore exists for any delay for the meeting of fractional companies at
the several points of concentration named in Section 2 of General Order
No. 1. And the commandants of all volunteer companies are therefore
hereby directed to march them forthwith to New Albany as the place of
rendezvous, with the least delay possible. This step is required by the in
terests of Indiana as well as by those of the volunteers.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

FARMERS GIVE THE BOYS A LIFT.

Indiana Sentinel, June 10, 1846.

We understand that a number of our farmers have agreed to take the
volunteers to the railroad depot (Edinburg) in their wagons. There are
not yet enough to take the whole, but we suppose that as soon as it is
known there will be offers from all quarters. It will be a good lift for the
boys, and deserves the highest praise.

TERRE HAUTE BANK IN HARD LINES.

BRANCH BANK,
TERRE HAUTE, June 10, 1864.
His Excellency, James Whitcomb :

SIR — Herewith I communicate to you a copy of a resolution of our
Board of Directors on the subject of your circular of the 3d inst. :

"Whereas, This branch is. by an order of the State Board, required be
tween this and the next session of said board, to reduce its circulation
ten per cent. ; and,

"Whereas, The bills of her winter operation yet remain unpaid, and
much doubt exists as to their prompt payment, and, from her present con
dition, is unable to make any new loans to her customers ; therefore,

"Resolved, That however much we may feel disposed to aid our gen
eral or state government in forwarding the military operations of our com
mon country, we cannot at this particular period comply with the appli
cation of the Executive."

Very respectfully yours, etc.,

C. GILBERT. President.

38
LAFAYETTE BANK WILLING TO HELP.

BUANCH BANK INDIANA,
LAFAYETTE, June 11, 3846.

SIR — Your favor of 3d hist, is received and was considered by our
board on last evening.

We have a demand for all the means we have in carrying off the
produce of the country. Yet our board feel willing to tender a part of the
necessary aid in meeting the emergency; and have, therefore, instructed
me to advise you that your drafts on us for the purposes specified in your
communication will be honored to the amount of, say, five thousand dollars,
relying wTith full confidence on the general government making the neces
sary appropriations for refunding the same at an early period.
I am, respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

CYRUS BALL, Cashier.
His Excellency, James Whitcomb. Governor State of Indiana.

"MAD ANTHONY GUARDS" AND "WAYNE
GUARDS."

(Companies E and F, 1st Regiment.)

From History Allen County.

It was only natural that a people situated as the people of Allen
County were at an early day, should be not only patriotic in their feel
ings, but that they should be imbued with a military spirit. Many of
those who, at the commencement of the Mexican War, in 1846, were in
the prime of life, had been waked from their morning slumbers during
their early years by the stirring notes of the reveille and soothed to sleep
at night by the musical strains of the evening tattoo, wafted on the air
from the confines of the "Old Fort." The "pomp and circumstance of war"
was before their youthful eyes continually, and that it produced a lasting
effect upon, their 'minds was evidenced in after years by the fact that at
the first call for volunteers for the Mexican War two full companies were
recruited in Fort Wayne in a very few days, composed of citizens of Allen
County, and their services tendered to and accepted by the Governor of the
State.

The two companies were ordered to report at New Albany, in this
State, and left Fort Wayne for their destination on the 16th of June,
1846, taking passage on canal-boats as far as Cincinnati and from there by
steamboat.

A long procession of parents, friends and sweethearts followed the
boats to the "Lower Lock," as it was called, five miles east of Fort Wayne,
when, almost despairing of ever seeing any of the "bold soldier boys" again,
they returned disconsolate to their homes.

Upon their arrival at New Albany the companies were mustered into
the service of the United States, June 23, 1846, and assigned to the First
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Colonel James P. Drake.

June, 1846.

"WASHINGTON BIFLEMEN."

(Company D, 2d Regiment.)

From History of Washington County.

The war with Mexico roused the martial spirit of the people and more
than a full company was raised in the county. Soon after the call of the
President for volunteers, May 13, 1846, Abraham Dennis and David C.
Shanks announced their intention of raising a company, and accordingly
called a meeting at the court house to raise volunteers. Several other
meetings were held and soon the necessary number of men were ready.
Several of the leading citizens also assisted by speeches at these meet
ings, one being Colonel Henry Young. The Whig party was opposed to the
war to prevent the accession of slave territory, and the Democratic party,
led by the Southern wing, was in favor of the war for the opposite reason.
The members of the company were mainly young men from both parties.
A day or two before the departure of the company for New Albany, the
place of regimental rendezvous, a fine flag was publicly presented to the
company by the citizens of Salem. The boys were drawn up in rank on
the street northwest of the court house and were addressed by Miss Patsy
Gordon, who, with appropriate remarks, fittingly rendered, presented them
the banner on behalf of the town and county. Captain Dennis responded
for the company, pledging their lives to maintain the sacredness of the
flag. On the day the company departed Rev. Cyrus Xutt. a resident min
ister, afterward for many years president of the Indiana State University,
delivered them an eloquent speech of considerable length. This ceremony
was held at the cemetery. The iron paling around the grave of Mr. Buck-
man, a Revolutionary soldier, was taken down, piled up, and on this, it is
asserted, was placed his tombstone, and upon this stood Mr. Nutt while
delivering his speech. Immediately after this each member of the com
pany was presented with a Testament, and then the march for New Al
bany in wagons and on horseback was commenced. * * *

The company of Captain Dennis became D of the Second Regiment In
diana Volunteers, and was mustered into the United States service at New
Albany about the 22d of June, 1846.

CAPTAIX KIMB ALL'S COMPANY.

(Company G. 2d Regiment.)

It seems that another company was raised for the Mexican AVar in the
counties of Washington. Orange and Lawrence, mainly in the vicinity of
Livonia. The details cannot be given, though after much trouble a copy
of the muster-roll at the time of muster-out was obtained from Indianapo
lis. A few men of the company were from Lawrence, though the most
were from Washington County and eastern Orange. The company was
raised mainly by Dr. Nathan Kimball, who became the captain, and by
William Schoonover, who became first lieutenant.

June, 1846.

THE SULLIVAN VOLUNTEERS.

(Company H, 2d Regiment.)

From History Sullivan County,

In May, 1846, when the news was received in Sulliyan County that
the President had called for volunteers for the war with Mexico, steps
were immediately taken by Joseph W. Briggs and others to form a com
pany. Meetings were held at Carlisle and Sullivan and perhaps Merom,
and in a short time the complement of men was obtained. In June or
July the company left the county, going to New Albany, where they were
assigned to the Second Regiment as Company H. * * *

Upon the return of the company a barbecue, it is said, was given in
their honor, and held near Sullivan, in the woods. Speeches were for
mally made by one or more of the citizens, who welcomed the boys home
from the perils of war. The Captain and several other members of the
company responded in fitting words, outlining their campaign, and inter
spersing their remarks with the mingled gall and honey of humorous anec
dote and sorrowful death. A meeting of this character was also held at
Carlisle.

June, /<s'.//(>.

ORANGE COUNTY VOLUNTEEES.

"HOOSIER BOYS."

(Company B, 2d Regiment.)

From History of Orange County.

The war with Mexico in 1846-47 brought out more than a full com
pany from Orange County. On the 13th of May, 1846, President Polk
called for volunteers, and soon afterward, in response to this, William A.
Bowles, Trustin B. Kinder, William T. Spicely. John Murray and others
began the formation of a company in the county. The organization was
completed some time in June and the following officers were elected : Wil
liam A. Bowles, Captain ; T. B. Kinder, First Lieutenant ; W. T. Spicely,
Second Lieutenant; John Murray, Third Lieutenant. Soon after this the
company assembled at Paoli to march to New Albany, where the Second
Regiment, to which they were assigned, was being organized. The boys in
bright new uniforms were drawn up in front of the residence of the Cap
tain, and were there presented with a beautiful banner in behalf of the
county by one of the Doughertys, it is said. Captain Bowles replied in a
short, eloquent speech, pledging the lives of his company for the preserva
tion of the national flag. Lieutenant Kinder, a talented young lawyer, de
livered a speech of considerable length and of great strength. He de
clared that he would leave his bones to bleach on the sunny plains of Mex
ico rather than see his country's flag dishonored and trailed in the dust.
Lieutenant Spicely also delivered a speech to the same effect. The com
pany then, in wagons and on horseback, started for New Albany, being
escorted some distance from town by the brass band of Paoli and a large
delegation of sorrowing relatives and friends, some of whom continued on

to New Albany. The company became B of the Second Regiment
Indiana Volunteers, and at Xew Albany Captain Bowles was promoted to
the colonelcy of the regiment, and was succeeded as captain of Company
B by T. B. Kinder.

June, 1846.

"GREENE COUNTY VOLUNTEERS."

(Company E, 2d Regiment)

From History of Greene County.

The war with Mexico in 1846-47 roused the militia everywhere into
activity. Under the act of Congress approved May 13, 184G, the President
of the United States called for volunteers, three regiments to be raised in
Indiana. Within two weeks afterward Lovel H. Rousseau, then a promi
nent lawyer of Greene County, was commissioned to raise a company,
which he proruptlj" did, securing men from all portions of the county. He
was assisted by Colonel Samuel R. Cavins, Colonel Levi Fellows, Colonel
Samuel Bough, Major Andrew Humphreys, Adam Stropes and others, and
on the 8th of June, 1846, the company was received and was mustered into
the Second Regiment of Indiana (Foot) Volunteers on the 22d day of
June.

It should be noticed that Rousseau's Company E, upon leaving the
county for the war gathered by fragments at Oweusburg, where they were
presented a beautiful silk flag by the ladies of that town and Springfield.
Captain Rousseau replied in fitting words to the presentation speech.
From Owensburg the company went in squads in wagons and on horse
back to New Albany, where the Second Regiment rendezvoused. * * *
Upon the return of the company a public reception was given them at the
court house in Bloonifield, Hugh Livingston and Samuel R. Cavins deliver
ing the welcoming addresses, which were replied to by Rousseau, Stropes
and others of the company. Afterward a barbecue was held in honor of
the company in Jones' Woods, near Bloonifield, where a huge ox was
roasted and where Rousseau and other members of the company detailed
the experiences of the campaign.

May, 1S46.

"THE MONROE GUARDS."

(Company A, 3d Regiment.)

From History of Monroe County.

Monroe County furnished two full companies for the Mexican War.
Soon after the call for volunteers, in May, 1846, the militia of the county
met at Bloomington for regimental or battalion muster. The excitement
over the war was great, a call was made, and a full company was raised
and ready by the 1st of June. The officers were : John M. Sluss, Cap
tain ; John Eller. First Lieutenant ; Aquilla Rogers. Second Lieutenant.
The company became A of the Third Regiment, which rendezvoused at
New Albany, and left Bloomington on the 15th of June.

A beautiful flag was presented to the boys by the ladies of Blooming-
ton, Miss Sarah Markle making the presentation speech. Company A was
in the battle of Buena Vista, where four or five of the boys (Buskirk,
Applegate, Stout and Holland) were killed and about five wounded. The
company was mustered out at the end of the year.

June, 1846.

"BROWN COUNTY BLUES."

(Company E, 3d Regiment.)

From History of Brown County.

On the 13th of May, 184G, the President of the United States called
for troops to carry on the war with Mexico, which had just begun. Within
a few days after the receipt of the news James Taggart, T. M. Adams, P.
C. Parker, Williamson Wise, Charles Bolt and perhaps others concluded to
raise a company, if possible, in Brown County for the war. A meeting
was advertised to be held at Georgetown to raise volunteers, on which
occasion a large crowd gathered. 'I he above men headed the enlistment
roll with their names, and a call was made for others and was responded
to by an increase to about twenty men. Another meeting was called at
Nashville soon afterward, and the number of volunteers was so increased
that it was seen that the completion and organization of the company was
assured.

Early in June the complete organization was effected by the election
of the following officers : James Taggart, Captain ; Thomas M. Adams,
First Lieutenant; Patterson C. Parker, Second Lieutenant; Williamson
Wise, Third Lieutenant. The organization was fully completed on the 8th
of June and was reported thus to the Governor of .the State for acceptance
and assignment to the Third Indiana Regiment, which was rapidly being
mustered at New Albany.

On the 14th of June orders were received from the Governor for the
company to proceed forthwith to New Albany and there to report to the
officers of the Third Regiment. The company hastily made preparations
to leave on the following day — the 15th of June. They had purchased uni
forms of bright blue jeans and had styled themselves ''Brown County
Blues," a name by which they were known all through the war. The fol
lowing day they left the county, followed by the best wishes of neighbors
and the tears and warm farewells of friends. A large crowd had assem
bled to see them leave in wagons. The company, except about ten of their
men, who remained behind to arrange their business affairs before joining
their comrades, reached New Albany on the 17th of June and were soon
mustered in as Company E of the Third Indiana Volunteers, Colonel James
II. Lane. Here the company and its regiment remained until early in
July, being subjected in the meantime to constant parades and discipline to
fit it for the active scenes of war. * * *

After occupying various positions the regiment started north on the
24th of May, 1847. The Brown County boys reached home early in July,
and were given a warm welcome by their relatives and friends.

May, 1846.

"THE SHELBY RIFLES."

(Company H, 3d Regiment.)

t rum History of Shelby County.

The first war of any consequence that engaged the attention of the
United States after the organization of Shelby County was the campaign
against Mexico. In that war Shelby County did its full share. Two com
panies were organized in the county for the Mexican service. The first of
these started for the front in June, 1846. It was Company H, in the Third
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Its officers were : Voorhis Conover.
Captain ; Samuel McKinsey, First Lieutenant ; William Aldredge, Second
Lieutenant, and Jonathan Keith, Third Lieutenant. It was a full com
pany and served for one year. The only battle of consequence in which it
took part was that of Buena Vista. In that engagement a few in the
company were wounded. At the expiration of its service it returned home,
where it arrived in July. 1847. Another company was at once organized
by Lieutenant McKinsey, who was chosen captain of this second company.
But little can now be learned of the incidents through which these men
passed that were engaged in the Conquest of Mexico.

May, 1846.

"THE LAWRENCE GRAYS."

(Company F, 2d Regiment.)

From History of Lawrence County.

The War with Mexico brought out a full company of men from Law
rence County. Under the act of Congress approved May 13, 1846, the Pres
ident of the United States called for volunteers, and three regiments were
assigned as the quota of Indiana. The county militia formed the nucleus
that furnished the men for the company. In prompt response to the call
Henry Davis*. Hon. G. G. Dunn, L. Q. Hoggatt, Cyrus Dunham, George
Carr, Dr. John C. Cavins, E, W. Rice, James Carothers and others called
for a company at Leesville. and war meetings were held there and at Bed
ford, Springville and perhaps elsewhere, and within a week a full com
pany was raised and their services tendered the Governor. So rapidly had
the. work been done that the company was one of the few accepted out of
the hundreds offered, and the men were ordered to report at New Albany
to become a part of the Second Regiment. An election of officers was held
at Bedford, with tho following result : Henry Davis, Captain ; L. Q. Hog
gatt, First Lieutenant : C. S. Foster, Second Lieutenant: Edmund W.
Rice, Third Lieutenant. Many of the men, including the Captain, came
from Leesville. then an important place in the county. The old court
house was used for a short time as barracks, while the organization of the
company was being perfected. On the 19th of June, 1846, a very warm
day, the company were drawn up on the public square in Bedford quite
early in the morning to bid goodbye to their friends and take their de
parture for Xew Albany to join their regiment. They listened to an elo-

quent speech of parting advice from their fellow-citizen and neighbor, Hon.
George G. Dunn, at the conclusion of which each member of the company
was presented with a testament amid handshakings, tears, passionate em
braces, loving words of farewell and the imposing ceremony of military
departure during a flourish of martial music. The company went south
over the Davis' Ferry road, and were followed to the river by a large
crowd of relatives and friends, who were loath to part, perhaps forever,
with their loved ones. Upon their arrival in New Albany they became
Company F, of the Second Regiment. They were known at home and in
the field as the "Lawrence Grays," and were a fine body of men.

June, 18.'i(L

THE BABTHOLOMEW VOLUNTEERS.

(Company F, 3d Regiment.)

From History of Bartholomew County.

But few companies responded with more alacrity than did Bartholo
mew. Immediately after the call of the Governor, Isaac N. Boardman, as
sisted by Hardin Ferry; raised a company, and on the 13th of June left
for New Albany, the place of rendezvous, and on the 24th of said month
was mustered into the service by Samuel Churchill. The company was
assigned to the position of F in the Third Regiment, commanded by Colonel
J. II. Lane.

June, Iti.'id.

"CLAY COUNTY VOLUNTEERS."

(Company C, 2d Regiment.)

From History of Clay County.

Clay County furnished two companies for the Mexican War. The first
military experience had by the men of Indiana was in this war. Company
C, Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, was raised in this county, in
the vicinity of Bowling Green. The company was mustered into service
at Terre Haute in June, 1846. with John Osborn of Bowling Green, Cap
tain ; Allen T. Rose, First Lieutenant, and John T. Alexander and Joshua
Moore, Second Lieutenants. The regiment was commanded by Colonel
Jim Lane. Immediately after being mustered in the regiment was trans
ported to the field of operations, and at different periods of the war
fought under the command of Generals Taylor and Scott, participating in
many of the most sanguinary battles of the war. After an honorable
record the regiment returned homo in the early spring of 1848. after the
flose of the war.

June, 1846.

"THE JOHNSON GUAKDS."

(Company C, 3d Regiment.)

From History of Johnson County.

Johnson County shared the glory which attended the United States
arms in that brief and brilliant campaign in the land of the Montexumas.
When war was declared against Mexico the people of this county were
among the foremost to offer a company for that service. * * *

This company went into camp at New Albany, the place of rendez
vous. It was assigned to the Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and,
early in July, started by boat for the seat of war. It shared the vicissi
tudes of the war and lost a considerable number through death and sick
ness. Captain Allen was among those who died. John Armstrong was
killed in battle at Buena Vista, and six others of the company wounded.
J. Slater was chosen captain to succeed Allen, and Harvey McCaslin sec
ond lieutenant. The company lost in all about fifteen by death, nearly all
of which was caused by disease. On their return home in August, 1847,
the people of the whole country turned out to welcome them. It was re
ported as one of the largest meetings that had ever been held in the
county up to that time. A free dinner was served to all present, after
which an address of welcome was delivered by Mr. Gabriel M. Overstreet,
which was responded to by Captain Slater on behalf of the company.
Colonel Joseph Lane, who was in command of the Third Regiment, was
called upon and spoke for more than an hour. He reviewed the move
ments of the regiment in the field and was cheered heartily.

THE QUOTA FILLED.

Democrat, June 12, 1846.

We have been politely furnished by Adjutant-General Reynolds with
the following list of volunteer companies, which have been commissioned
by the Governor since the first of June, being the first commissions since
the present call for volunteers :

DEARBORN VOLUNTEERS. MONTGOMERY VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 1st.) (Commissioned June 3d.)

Captain — James H. Lane. Captain — Henry S. Lane.

First Lieutenant— George Dunn. First Lieutenant — Allen May.

Second Lieutenant— Benjamin J. Second Lieutenant— Lewis E. Way-
Spooner. land.

CASS COUNTY VOLUNTEERS. MARION VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 2d.) (Commissioned June 4th.)

Captain — Spear S. Tipton. Captain — James P. Drake.

First Lieutenant — Stanislaus Las- First Lieutenant — John McDougall.

selle. Second Lieutenant — Lewis Wallace.
Second Lieutenant — Wm. L. Brown.

CLAY COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 5th.)
Captain — John Osborn.
First Lieutenant — A. T. Rose.
Second Lieutenant — J. T. Alexander.

WASHINGTON RIFLEMEN.

(Commissioned June 6th.)
Captain — Abraham Dennis.
First Lieutenant — David C. Shanks.
Second Lieutenant — Josiah Burwell.

W ABASH 1NVINCIBLES, CAR
ROLL COUNTY.
(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain— R. II. Milroy.
First Lieutenant — A. L. Robinson.
Second Lieutenant — W. 10. Persons.

LAWRENCE GRAYS.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — Henry Davis.
First Lieutenant— L. Q. Hoggatt.
Second Lieutenant — J. C. Foster.

FOUNTAIN VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain— R. M. Evans.
First Lieutenant — R. W. Lyon.
Second Lieutenant — James McMan-
amy.

INDIANA RIFLEMEN.
(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — William Walker.
An old company filled up.
Vanderburgh ( 'ounty.

MONROE GUARDS.
(Commissioned June 1st.)
Captain — John M. Sluss.
First Lieutenant — John Eller.
Second Lieutenant — Aquilla Rogers.

PUTNAM BLUES.

(Commissioned June 2d.)
Captain— John II. Roberts.
First Lieutenant— Daniel A. Farley.
Second Lieutenant — Richard W.
Jones.

JOHNSON GUAttDS.
(Commissioned June 3d.)
Captain — David Allen.
First Lieutenant — David Provine.
Second Lieutenant — Elsey Mathes.

WABASH RANGERS.
(Commissioned June 4th.)
Captain— J. W. Wilson.
First Lieutenant — Jonas Hoover.
Second Lieutenant — Philip Parcels.

HOOSIER BOYS, ORANGE
COUNTY.

(Commissioned June 5th.)
Captain — W. A. Bowles.
First Lieutenant — T. B. Kinder.
Second Lieutenant — W. T. Spicely.

SWITZERLAND RIFLEMEN.

(Commissioned June 6th.)
Captain — Scott Carter.
First Lieutenant — William Price.
Second Lieutenant — Smith Dumont.

BARTHOLOMEW VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — Isaac S. Boardinan.
First Lieutenant — Henieu H. Bar-

bour.

Second Lieutenant — G. W. Harring
ton.

BROWN COUNTY BLUES.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — James Taggart.
First Lieutenant— T. M. Adams.
Second Lieutenant — P. C. Parker.

GREENE COUNTY VOLUN
TEERS.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — L. II. Rousseau.
First Lieutenant — Adam Stropes.
Second Lieutenant— David Irwin.

WASHINGTON GUARDS.

(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain— William Ford.
An old company filled up.
Jefferson County.

SPENCER GREYS.
(Commissioned June 8th.)
Captain — W. L. Sanderson.
An old company filled up.
Floyd County.

MADISON RIFLES.
(Commissioned June 9th.)
Captain — Thomas L. Sullivan.
First Lieutenant — Horace Hall.
Second Lieutenant— John Harring
ton.

HENDRICKS COUNTY VOLUN
TEERS.

(Commissioned June 9th.)
Captain — C. C. Nave.
First Lieutenant — S. C. Crawford.
Second Lieutenant — Sam'] Miloque.

MAD ANTHONY GUARDS.
ALLEN COUNTY.

(Commissioned June 9th.)
Captain — J. W. McLane.
First Lieutenant — T. R. Lewis.
Second Lieutenant — C. F. Colerick.

LANESVILLE LEGION.
(Commissioned June 9th.)

Captain — Cyrus Gresham.
An old company filled up.
Harrison County.

FRANKLIN GUARDS.
(Commissioned June 10th.)
Captain— William M. McCarty.
First Lieutenant — John B. Camp
bell.
Second Lieutenant — John M. Myers.

SHELBY RIFLEMEN.
(Commissioned June 9th.)
Captain — V. Conover.
First Lieutenant — S. McKenzey.
Second Lieutenant — J. Keeth.

POSEY GUARDS.

(Commissioned June 9th.)

Captain — Nathan Kimball.

First Lieutenant — Wm. Schoonover.

Second Lieutenant — Jas. J. Hogens.

SULLIVAN VOLUNTEERS.

(Commissioned June 9th.) '
Captain — J. W. Briggs.
First Lieutenant — Justice Davis.
Second Lieutenant — Israel Benefil.

CLARK GUARDS.

(Commissioned June 9th.)
Captain— T. W. Gibson.
First .Lieutenant — Harrison Daily.
Second Lieutenant — D. L. Fonts.

WAYNE GUARDS. ALLEX
COUNTY.

(Commissioned June 10th.)
Captain — David W. Lewis.
First Lieutenant — Bradford B.

Stevens.
See-on;! Lieutenant — John Russell.

Democrat, June 12, 1846.

Captain Tipton's company, the Cass County Volunteers, arrived here
on Wednesday last at noon on their way to New Albany. They are a fine
looking company of men, drill with precision and are a credit to them
selves and their country. They expect to leave here today.

48
HUZZAH FOR INDIANA!

Democrat, June 12, 1846.

It is with emotions of pride that we announce that Indiana has most
promptly answered the call made upon her patriotism and has raised her
full quota of men according to the requisition made uponjher hy the War
Department. On Wednesday afternoon the complement of thirty compa
nies were commissioned and accepted. Other companies are still report
ing themselves, and the Governor grants them permission under the direc
tion that they do not march to the rendezvous without special orders.
These companies will not be called for unless .older companies fail to reach
the rendezvous in time, or in case of an accident or other failure to report,
and will then take' precedence according to date of commission. No doubt
exists that the number of men who cannot be received will be very large,
probably equal to the number which can be received. Well done, Indiana !

GOOD NEWS FOE VOLUNTEERS.

Democrat, June 12, 1846.

Congress, on the 4th inst., passed a supplementary War Bill, which
raises the monthly pay of volunteers to $10.00 per month and their cloth
ing pay to $3.50 per month, making their aggregate pay $13.50 per month.

Democrat, June 12, 1846.

The ladies of our city are preparing a valuable and splendid flag to
be presented to the Marion Volunteers at some appropriate time previous
to their departure.

FORD'S COMPANY LEAVES FOR THE CAMP.

Madison Courier, June 13, 1846.

On last Tuesday evening Captain Ford's company started for New Al
bany. We never on any occasion have seen as much feeling exhibited by
our citizens. The ladies showed the right spirit; before they departed
they presented the company with a rich and beautiful flag, through Miss
Isabella Rowe, who did justice to the occasion and credit to the ladies.
Her remarks were very appropriate and well spoken. The crowd which
had assembled at the wharf to witness the departure showed by their loud
and repeated cheers their feelings, which, we are pleased to say, are just
what they should be in the present instance. The gallant boys of our
State are determined to fill the requisition if it is not already filled. The
glorious cause of defending their country and maintaining the honor of the
republic as well as our State fills their souls with patriotism and bravery.

GENERAL WOOL FURNISHES INFORMATION
ABOUT SUPPLIES.

HEADQUABTEBS, E. D.,
CINCINNATI, June 13, 1846.

SIR — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
7th inst. and have only time to say that on the 7th inst. an officer, Captain
Allen, Assistant Quartermaster, was sent to New Albany with orders to
furnish quartermaster's stores to the volunteers directed to rendezvous
there. A commissary of subsistence (Lieutenant Patrick) at Louisville
will furnish the subsistence necessary, and I know that both officers have
for some time been engaged in those duties. Arms and accoutrements will
be supplied from the Baton Rouge arsenal as the volunteers are en route
for Texas. Tents and camp equipage will be furnished by the quarter
master here (Major Tompkins) by the middle of next week. In the mean
while Captain Allen has been ordered to erect temporary shelters and fur
nish camp equipage for those who arrive at the rendezvous before that
time. Paymaster Dix is here and will be ready to pay the volunteers the
amount of the clothing allowed to each man, some $36, as soon as they
are mustered into the service. Colonel Churchill has been ordered to per
form that duty.

I feel it my duty to detain the men here until they are properly pre
pared for the campaign in Mexico.

I have the honor to be, sir,

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL,
Brigadier-General U. S. A.

To His Excellency, James Whitcornb, Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis.

COMPANIES OX THEIR WAY TO THE
RENDEZVOUS.

Indiana Sentinel, June 14, 1846.

The Montgomery Volunteers, under Captain H. S. Lane, arrived in
town yesterday on their way to camp at New Albany ; they were escorted
into town by Captain Drake's company. The Montgomery company will
not tarnish the fame of their heroic name. They came from the heart
of the State, and although their manners may be somewhat unpolished,
they can send a leaden messenger with unerring aim. Such men cannot
be conquered.

On yesterday morning the Cass County Volunteers marched for New
Albany, the Governor and the Adjutant-General escorting them to the
boundary of the city.

We hear that a messenger rode express from Martiusville on Thursday
to offer the services of a corps of volunteers at that place.

The company of Indiana Volunteers under Captain J. H. Lane (a
young son of Hon. Amos Lane) left Lawrenceburg on Wednesday for New
Albany on the "Pike No. 7." It is a fine company, composed chiefly of

4-18750

young farmers and mechanics of the best character. The parting scene at
the landing between the volunteers and their female friends was in the
highest degree affecting. Mothers, sisters and doubtless sweethearts were
among the vast crowd, and he must have a cold heart indeed who could
witness unmoved the wringing of hands, the parting blessings and the
tears which freely flowed from the eyes of tenderness and love. Most fer
vently we hope that every tie thus severed may be again reunited under
the happiest auspices.

A company of volunteers, we understand, was to leave Vevay for New
Albany on Thursday. All along the river the spirit of patriotism is over
flowing ; at every town and almost every house men, women and children
greet the volunteers on board the boat with the waving of kerchiefs and
hearty hux/ahs. We regret that we have not time at present for details.

GEN. WOOL GIVES FURTHER INFORMATION.

HEADQUARTERS E. D.,
LOUISVILLE, 15th June, 1846.

Hon. James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana :

SIR — I had the honor to receive yesterday at Cincinnati your letter of
the 10th inst.. in answer to which I would observe that in my letter of the
13th inst. I informed you that Paymaster Dix, U. S. A., had arrived with
funds to pay the volunteers of your State, as soon as they are mustered
into service, the amount of $36 or more, allowed for clothing to the rank
and file. On further inquiry I find that he has not the funds with him,
but expects them in the course of eight days.

In order that the sums advanced for clothing be reimbursed, it will be
necessary to have the amount due from each man made out and presented
at the time he is to receive his pay, when, if acknowledged to be due, it
will be paid to the claimant by the paymaster. The expenses of transport
ing the men from their temporary rendezvous, to the general rendezvous at
New Albany, I presume, I can arrange to your satisfaction ; at least I will
endeavor to do so as soon as I can attend to the subject, which I shall
make it my business to do before the regiments leave your State.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully.

Your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL,
Brigadier-General U. S. Armv.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., June 15, 1846.
General Orders No. 5.

I. The Governor and Commander in Chief takes great pleasure in
announcing to the officers and soldiers and to the citizens at large that on
the 10th inst. the entire number of volunteers called for from Indiana, con-

sisting of thirty companies of infantry and riflemen, have been reported to
this office and their services duly tendered and accepted for the existing
war between the United States and the Republic of Mexico.

II. There have been subsequently reported for the same service sev
enteen additionarcoinpanies (and a considerable number of others are still
expected), whose services the Commander in Chief has, with great regret,
been compelled to decline in consequence of the limited number called for
having already been supplied, as above stated.

III. The companies subsequently reported will, as they have already
been informed by letter, be called on in the order iii which they have been
reported, to fill any vacancies occasioned by the failure of any accepted
companies to march to the place of rendezvous, if any there should be.

IV. Should the commandant of any accepted company discover that
he will be unable to march his company to the place of rendezvous, duly
organized, with at least seventy-seven officers and privates, by the 20th
inst. he will immediately report this expected inability to the undersigned
in order that the first subsequently reported companies may be promptly
assigned to the vacancy, with the least possible delay. The absolute ne
cessity for prompt attention to this rule must be manifest.

V. Companies subsequently reported will perceive the necessity of
holding themselves in momentary readiness to answer any such exigency
as that just mentioned.

VI. . Should the honor and interests of the country occasion another
and similar call on the citizen soldiers of Indiana, the companies subse-
sequently reported will be entitled to the preference, should they still de
sire it.

VII. In answer to numerous applications for appointment as sur
geons, assistant surgeons and other staff officers, it is proper to say that
the Governor does not possess the power of making any such appoint
ments. By the law of Indiana the proper Colonel appoints the regimental
staff, but most probably a bill has by this time received the sanction of
Congress conferring that power upon the President, so far as surgeons and
assistant surgeons are concerned.

VIII. The Commander in Chief will repair to the place of rendezvous
by the 20th instant at farthest for the purpose of aiding in the final or
ganization of the troops there assembled; of taking early steps for filling
the place of any company which may be found absent on that day ; of
making early arrangements for supplying such of the volunteers with suit
able clothing as may require it, and generally of consulting their comfort
and welfare. In the meantime all military correspondence must be ad
dressed to the undersigned.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

Madison Courier, June 16, 1846.

The volunteers from Switzerland County went down on Thursday
evening on the Swiftsure No. 4. This company consists of one hundred
and twenty-five men under the command of Captain Carter. All stout.

noble men, perfect "lloosier Rangers," and can no doubt light successfully
five times their number of Mexicans.

Madison Courier, June 16, 1846.

Captain Sullivan is fast making preparations and will be off some time
next week. The ladies will present his company with an elegant flag.

INDIANA'S QUOTA EAISED IN NINETEEN DAYS.

Madison Banner, June 17, 1846.

Indiana has nobly responded to the requisition made upon her for vol
unteers, the thirtieth and last company having been commissioned on the
10th inst. Several other companies have been reported since, which are
held in reservation to be accepted on the contingency of the failure of any
one or more of the companies already commissioned. They will be finally
organized at New Albany on Monday next, when and where the Governor
as announced in General Order No. 3, will attend in person.

Some of the companies from this State will well bear comparison with
any company from any section of the country, not even excepting "Old
Kentuck." The Cass County Volunteers, commanded by Captain Tipton,
who arrived here on Saturday evening on their way to the place of gen
eral rendezvous, extorted the admiration of every beholder, and we re
joice to learn from our Louisville exchanges that the Washington Guards
of this city, under the command of our old friend and neighbor, Captain
Ford, passed under review of the whole city of Louisville with distin
guished approbation.

N. B. — The Madison Rifles, Captain Sullivan, the second company from
this city, will depart this evening. A flag will be presented to them at 5
o'clock at the residence of Dr. Norwood. Come, let us attend the cere
mony of presentation and then proceed to the wharf to bid the gallant
fellows farewell.

THANKS.

Madison Banner, June 17, 1846.

At a company meeting of the Washington Guards, of the city of
Madison, held at Camp Whitcomb, near New Albany, on Saturday even
ing, the 13th inst., the following resolutions were offered by Captain Ford,
and on motion were unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That we feel under great obligations to the citizens of Madi
son for their generous aid in preparing us for our departure for the seat
of war and that we have left them with the pleasing assurance that
should we fall in the battles of our country, they will kindly remember
those whom we have left depending upon us.

Resolved, That we acknowledge with deep gratitude of heart the kind
assistance of the ladies of Madison in preparing our outfit, and especially
do we thank them for the splendid flag they have presented to us, and
now, beneath its folds, we pledge ourselves to them and to each other,
that we will defend that flag amid the din and fury of battle, and that we
will bear it back in triumph or die beneath it in glory.

53
WELL DONE, INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel, June 17, 1846.

Just as our paper is going to press the twentieth company has been
reported to the Adjutant-General's office over and above the complement
of thirty companies called for from this State. Well done, Indiana.

Ohio, with thrice our population and four times our wealth, was called
on to furnish the same number of men and had two days the start of us,
and yet our quota was made up on the 10th inst., not any longer time, we
believe, than that required by Ohio.

When the requisition reached here on the 21st it found us with our
militia system broken and in ruins after thirty years of peace. Not a
dollar had been appropriated by the State or the General Government for
such an emergency, yet the Governor devised a system, mainly on his own
responsibility, in time for his proclamation for the very next day, and he
and Adjutant-General Reynolds have ever since been incessantly occupied
looking after everything and answering correspondence, without even a
private secretary, which office was abolished immediately upon the Gov
ernor coming into office. The Governor is much indisposed and fatigued by
labor night and day, yet he will be ready to go with our troops to New-
Albany to aid in their organization and to do everything for their comfort
and welfare before they leave the State. Well done, Indiana.

THE FIRST DEATH.

Madison Courier, July 18, 1846.

A man named Meyer, who volunteered in Captain Ford's company, fell
dead upon the wharf in New Albany on Wednesday last; the death was
caused by intense heat while on duty.

DEPARTURE OF THE VOLUNTEERS FROM INDI
ANAPOLIS.

Indiana Democrat, June 19, 1846.

Thousands of our citizens assembled on Wednesday morning last to
bid farewell to the brave and generous company of young men who have
come forward at their country's call to defend her honor. When it comes
to the test of parting and the reflection which forces itself upon the mind,
that when they return, if at all, that it will be with broken ranks, it is
well calculated to inspire one with feelings of apprehension and sadness.
Some will fall, doubtless, by disease, others, and it may be many, will fall
in battle, and others by fatigue and the necessary hardships of the sol
dier's life. But their reward is the approval of their own consciences, and
the gratitude of their country.

At about eight o'clock the company were marched from their camp
near town to General Drake's door (accompanied by the Wabash Invinci-
bles, a fine company from Delphi, commanded by Captain R. H, Milroy),

where they were presented with a beautiful flag by the ladies of In
dianapolis.

Mrs. Bolton, who was selected by the ladies for that purpose, addressed
the company in the following words :

"Citizen Soldiers: I am delegated by the ladies of Indianapolis to
present to you this banner as a token of the interest they feel in the cause
that now agitates our common country. Much as we may regret our un
fortunate difficulties with Mexico, much as the finest feelings of our nature
may be shocked by scenes of carnage and bloodshed, war is the only alter
native left us consistent with our National honor.

"We have already met the foe and our troops have triumphed glori
ously. It is true that some of them have fallen, and their comrades have
made their graves in a strange land, but they have won laurels as death
less as our country's glory; they have left names that will be remembered
while our country has a heart to love her or an arm to defend her.

"This voluntary tender of your services in defense of our National
rights is an additional evidence that the mantles of our revolutionary
fathers have descended upon their children. No restraint was put upon
your inclinations; no pampered despot bid you go forth to the battlefield.
You heard that your country was invaded; you heard her call to arms,
and simultaneously your hearts responded: it is my country and this arm
shall defend her.

"Go forth to the conflict; prove yourselves worthy of the heritage of
freedom ; and may He who controls the destinies of nations and individ
uals restore you to your homes in peace and happiness.

"Go forth — you will triumph ; but remember that the eyes of the world
are upon you ; that your deeds will be chronicled on the pages of history,
and held up to the gaze of millions yet unborn. In the flush of victory
forget not the dictates of humanity ; add no unnecessary insult to a fallen
foe; let the world see that American soldiers are as generous as they are
brave.

"Bear this banner to the battlefield. We know it will not be dishon
ored. Our prayers shall ascend to Heaven for your preservation ; our
hands shall strew flowers in your pathway when you return victorious."

To which Captain Drake, on behalf of his command, replied.

John H. Bradley, Esq., on behalf of the citizens generally, addressed
Captain Drake and his company in a speech which we do not hesitate to
pronounce one of the very finest things of the kind we ever heard.

Governor Whitcomb, in a few brief remarks, after congratulating the
citizens of Indiana on their promptitude and patriotism, bade them adieu
when they took up the line of march.

CONTESTED ELECTION IN SECOND REGIMENT.

From Campaign in Mexico, Isaac Reed, First Indiana, June, 1846.

There is a fact connected with the history of the Second Regiment
that should not be omitted, as it may be considered the germ of some of
the evils that followed. Colonel Joseph Lane, who first had command of
the Second Regiment, before leaving New Albany, received a commission

from the President as Brigadier-General and was assigned the command
of the Indiana Brigade. An election was ordered at Camp Wliitcomb.
near New Albany, to till the vacancy of colonel in the Second Regiment,
the result of which was that Captain W. L. Sanderson, of. the Spencer
Greys, received the highest vote ; but, unfortunately for the future destiny
of that regiment, no return was made of the votes cast by Captain Wal
ker's company, and, by omitting the vote of this company, the result was
changed, as Captain W. A. Bowles had the largest vote in the remaining
nine companies. The clerk in Captain Walker's company, who was di
rected to make out a return, never performed that duty, and he is an
swerable to his own conscience for the neglect, knowing, as he must, the
evils which it has produced, as well as the cause of them. Three com
panies refused to sign a certificate of election, in consequence of the exist
ing circumstances. All these facts were made known to Governor Whit-
comb and Adjutant-General Reynolds, and the consequence was a prompt
refusal to give a commission to Captain Bowles. After the Second Regi
ment had arrived at Brazos Santiago a new election was held, and Cap
tain W. A. Bowles was elected colonel, but did not take command of the
regiment until he received his commission.

SOUTH BEXD EXPRESSES REGRET.

BRANCH BANK,
SOUTH BEND, June 19, 1846.

DEAR SIR — The proposition of your Excellency in relation to a loan
to the State was laid before the directors, who adopted the following
resolution, which it has been made my duty 'to communicate:

"Resolved, That the president of this branch bank. Mr. Jernegan, ad
vise the Governor of this State, explaining the reasons why it is im
possible for this branch at this time to make the loan to the State, and
express our regret that" the circumstances of the bank and the community
will not enable us to do so."

The circumstances which render it impracticable to make a loan to
the State for any considerable amount are as follows :

Some four or five years since the failure of Coquillard threw upon
the bank a large suspended debt, which has since been converted into
real estate, the only available security which the bank could obtain. This
transaction reduced the active means of the bank some $40,000 and up
wards. As the bank would be liable to suspension on failure to divide G
per cent, per annum on the whole capital stock, and as all her present
active means are necessary to secure this result, you will not fail to ap
preciate the propriety of the course pursued by the directors.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant.

J. S. JERNEGAN, President.

N. B. — It is proper to add that letters were received also from the
New Albany, Evansville and Fort Wayne branches, which have been mis
laid. The former branch, however, offered to advance $10,000 ; the sec
ond, it is said and believed, offered to advance the same amount, and the

last, it is believed, offered to advance $2,000 to aid in the organization of
the volunteers. The latter branch, it, is now ascertained, did advance in
the manner mentioned in the Executive's message, delivered at the pres
ent session, the sum of $1,300, being all that was required of it.

DRAKE'S COMPANY LEAVES FOR NEW ALBANY.

Indiana Sentinel, June 20, 1846.

The Marion Volunteers under Captain Drake left for New Albany on
Wednesday morning. Previous to departure a flag was presented which
had been prepared for the purpose by a few patriotic ladies boarding at
Drake's Hotel. Mrs. Bolton made the presentation address, which was
responded to by Captain Drake. John H. Bradley, Esq., then made a very
eloquent and appropriate farewell address, which was followed by a few
remarks by Governor Whitcomb. A large crowd gathered to witness the
departure of the volunteers, and the exhibition of feeling on the part of
their friends, male and female, was very affecting.

SULLIVAN'S FINE COMPANY.

Madison, Courier, June 20, 1846.

Captain Sullivan's company, the second from "deep diggins," departed
for New Albany last Wednesday. His company was comprised of the
most moral and industrious portion of our young men and will compare
with any from our State, and we believe will excel the best from Ken
tucky, although we hear so much bragging about fine companies from our
neighbors. The ladies again added honor to themselves by presenting
them, through Miss Eliza Verry, with a very rich flag. We shall watch
the movements of this company with considerable interest. Our best
wishes for their health and prosperity.

CAMP WHITCOMB.

Indiana Sentinel, June 20, 1846.

The New Albany Democrat says that the above is the name given to
the place where the volunteers of this State are to rendezvous. It is a
beautiful spot situated on the Ohio River about a mile above New Albany.

Captain Walker's company from Evansville was the first from a dis
tance to appear at the camp. There will be stirring times at New Albany
for a week or two.

57
FROM THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LEW WALLACE.

June, 1846.

At breakfast a few days after the battle of Resaca some one said
there was a rumor in town of a call for troops by the Government. This
was what I had been hoping and expecting. I could scarcely await the
hour when the Adjutant-General of the State might be encountered in his
office. Then promptly I interviewed the General.

Prior to that day the adjutant-generalcy had been bare of importance,
because without patronage or a decent salary; the title was its only at
traction. The office had its habitat in the state house. I call it "office"
in lack of another word more exactly descriptive. There being no or
ganized militia, why an office, or for that matter, an Adjutant-General?

David Reynolds, the incumbent, was a good-looking person, stout,
rubicund and affable, who had not yet appeared in uniform. He knew
nothing military, and to his credit, he made no pretension to such knowl
edge. His appreciation of the title even needed cultivation. He was in
telligent and willing to learn. I found him in a flustrated state, not un
like that of a mother hen unexpectedly visited by a marauding hawk.
There were a hundred things to do, blanks to be prepared, books to be
opened, everything indeed that ought to have been done long before and
that would have been done but for the lack of a needful appropriation. A
corresponding inexperience on the part of the Governor heightened the
confusion of the staff officers.

A statue in bronze of James Whitcomb. Governor of Indiana in 1846.
is a conspicuous object in connection with the soldiers' monument at In
dianapolis. As a tribute to a citizen who happened to be Chief Magis
trate at the outbreak of the 'war with Mexico, it is well deserved. I had
the good fortune to know him, though at a distance. His position was too
exalted for familiar acquaintance with so young a man. He was a lover
of books. His fine library was useful as well as ornamental. It was a
certificate that his reputation for learning and scholarly attainments was
deserved.

There were certain peculiarities of taste and habit which impressed
the Governor upon me. He was a musician, who, like Thomas Jefferson,
did not disdain, when in privacy, to ease himself of care by the exorcism
there is in a violin masterfully dominated. He knew how to pass from a
melody of Tom Moore's to a plantation jig and bring out the differences
between them. He was also a smoker. With him there was no obscura
tion to thought in the ring blown dexterously from his lighted cigar.
Smoking was his only dissipation. He excelled in exhausting a cigar to
its least possible dimensions. Sometimes he thrust a knife blade into
the abbreviated remainder. It was even said he sometimes resorted to
a pin. His picture in the state house is a better likeness of the first war
Governor than the statue under the monument. If in speaking of him
one can confine his remarks to his abilities as a statesman, the choicest
terms of eulogy may be used with propriety, but lie was not a soldier.

I found Adjutant-General Reynolds in a mood communicative. The
mail of the day preceding had brought the Governor an official notice
that Congress, besides formally declaring war against Mexico, had appro
priated ten million dollars to carry it on and authorized the President

to call out fifty thousand volunteers. This was great news and I made
haste to ask, "Will any of the troops be from Indiana?" "Yes, that is
what is bothering me," the General replied. "We are asked to furnish
three regiments and the business is entirely new. No form, no prece
dent, nothing for our guidance." I was shaking with excitement. Then
Tasked. "Can any one raise a company, or must authority be first had
from the Governor?" "I suppose any one can go about it, only when
raised it must, of course, be tendered to the Governor for regimental as
signment and muster in." I went out resolved to raise a company if any
one older or better known did not set about it.

There was much talk in Indianapolis about volunteering. Other parts
of the State were showing activity. I bustled about interviewing mem
bers of the "Grays" and "Arabs." To my argument that the term of
service was short, only one year, some of them with an earnestness im
plying personal experience replied that a year was ample time in whisli
to die. Finally, in fear of the passing of the opportunity, I resolved to
open a recruiting office myself. The town could not more than laugh
at me.

So I took a room on Washington street and hired a drummer and
fifer. Out of the one front window of the building I projected a flag,
then a transparency inscribed on its four sides: "FOB MEXICO. FALL IN."
I attacked the astonished public in the start. The first round was pro
ductive. A dozen or more young men fell into the procession. Within
three days the company was full.

In the election of officers James P. Drake was chosen captain and
John McDougal first lieutenant. The second lieutenancy was given to imi.
Upon acceptation by the Governor we were ordered to the general ren
dezvous at New Albany on the Ohio River.

In addition to the townfolk, the population of the entire country
seemed present at our departure from Indianapolis. Lawyer John IT.
Bradley made an affecting farewell address. Mexico was a long way off.
and the journey thither beset by dangers of sea and land. There were
thousands who shook hands with us as with men never to return. We
went in wagons to Kdinburg. up to which a railroad had slowly crawled
from Madison. The railroad was only so-called. In reality it was a
tramway.

The solemnities of the public farewell scarcely moved me. That
which excited sorrow in others did but stir my imagination. Neverthe
less, a circumstance broke me down. We went on foot to the wagons.
My father marched with me. He was in the prime of manhood. A sol
dier by education, he should have been at the head of the whole Indiana
contingent. At my side, keeping step with me. he trudged along through
the dust. The moment came for me to climb into the wagon. T"p to fiat
time ho had kept silent, which was well enough, seeing I had only to look
into his face to know he was proud of me and approved my going. Then
he took my hand and said: "Good-bye. Come back a man." Instantly
I gave him a shower of tears.

On the northern side of 'the Ohio, midway between the present cities
of Jeffersonville and New Albany, there is a ground famous in history. A
wooded island at the foot of the falls used to be its vis-a-vis, There (Jen-

eral George Rogers Clark held high revelry after his style, master of all
he beheld, a brave, ambitious, profane, drunken, baronial Virginian. There
the three Indiana regiments were assembled, organized, equipped and
mustered into the National service, my company being assigned to the
First Indiana, letter H. The rendezvous was appropriately named Camp
Clark.

In the election of field officers for my regiment there was Dut one
ticket. For Colonel, James P. Drake: for Lieutenant-Colonel, Christo
pher C. Nave; for Major, Henry S. Lane, and there was no scratching.
I remember being puzzled by the absence of contest. My experience was
then too limited to help me comprehend the bit of furniture called a
slate. Here is the slate of that day : Brigadier-General. Joseph Lane,
Democrat; Colonel of the First Regiment. James P. Drake, Democrat;
Colonel of the Second Regiment, William H. Bowles, Democrat; Colonel
of the Third Regiment, James H. Lane, Whig. Certainly the able Demo
cratic Governor knew how to provide for himself and his party.

Sergeant Charles C. Smith, a schoolmate, fine looking and clever, was,
by niy nomination, promoted to the vacant first lieutenancy, McDougal
becoming captain. As a rule jealousies among men come with years and
competition.

The three field officers are now in their graves. Neither of them se
lected could have carried his company through the manual of arms.

Colonel Drake was rich in good nature, possibly too much so. He
had a presence, however, to excite respect, especially on horseback, and an
uncommon aptitude for tactics. In three months he had mastered the
school of the battalion according to Scott, whose system was then in
force, and brought his command into excellent drill and discipline. In the
rush to the color line under alarm his face would redden and shine like
a harvest moon and then in the wake-up by the long roll at dead of night
his voice was wonderfully cheering. Ultimately he emigrated to Georgia
and ended his days there, an honored and useful citizen.

The command and its responsibilities never devolved upon Major
Henry S. Lane. Successful at the bar and in politics, he was singularly
careless as a soldier. On parade he often appeared with his sword and
sword-belt in hand. He hated a horse so that on the march his saddle
was always pre-emptible by the sick and footsore. For a shirk he had
the eye of a detective. In kindness, even, he was reserved and dignified.
No one knew better than he that, with volunteers at least, respect for an
officer is more essential than fear. He was the soul of honor and brave to
a fault, and so was he esteemed by the regiment that his indifference to
formalities, though somewhat laughed at. was always forgiven.

The company officers were far above the average. Some of them
were remarkable men. Captain Robert Milroy. in the Civil War a Major-
General and dubbed by his division "Gray Eagle." must be mentioned
with particularity. A graduate of Partridge Military School, then next
to West Point in reputation, he was one of the very few whom I have
met, actual lovers of combat. Eager, impetuous, fierce in anger, he was
a genuine colonel of cavalry. In fence with sabres, his wrist was like
flexible steel, besides which he had a reach to make any swordsman,
though never so skillful, chary of engaging him. This I know, having

beeii one of a class under his instruction. 1 have dealt somewhat elabo
rately with the few officers named, in order that the "verve" of the regi
ment may be understood. At the end of six months it could have been
depended upon for heroic action under the most adverse circumstances,
and, as will be seen, the remark is not made conjecturally. Few com
mands have been subjected to trials so bitter, yet it did not weaken or
falter in discipline.

On July 5th rations were issued and arms and accoutrements stowed
in the hold ; then, with colors flying and "Yankee Doodle" from fife and
drum, we marched aboard the steamboat chartered to take us to New
Orleans. There were many of the regiment with somber countenances ;
probably they had a better appreciation of the hazards to which we were
going, but for my part the situation was full of joyances. Now, indeed.
I was a soldier; my name was on the roster and the National uniform on
my back. The surroundings, all martial, kept me reminded of the life at
last certainly arrived.

I have made voyages since, some of them on the sea to far countries,
when every hour was charged with novelties and delights unspeakable,
yet they were as views by moonlight, pale in comparison with this one,
so full of the zest of youth that even the Mississippi was beautiful, and
its low-lying ugliness of flood and forest a succession of miraculous
mirage. Mexico, the land of Montezuma and Cortez ; and its people ; the
campaign through palmetto lands and wide pastures ; and battles, and the
taking of cities; I was to see them. All else faded into the common
place. At New Orleans we were landed below the city to await the ships.
There we had our introduction to soldier life mask off. Of dry ground
there was not enough for a bed. We had not a wisp of straw. Our
blankets turned into blubbery slime. The officers were responsible; they
should have held on to the steamers.

Along with the rest, I was wretched until an old negro peddling eggs
and chickens visited us. He told me casually that we were occupying a
portion of the field Andrew Jackson turned into a garden of glory in
1815. Then I hired him as a guide. The battleground was more inter
esting to me than the city. Where was the breastwork of cotton? Where
did Jackson's line begin on the right? In what direction did it stretch?
That line fixed, I had the key to the fight. Standing on it, I faced the
British soldiers and in the patriotic indulgence of fancy cared not a whiff
whether I was on a slippery tussock or knee-deep in water. Four killed
here, two red-coated thousands yonder. Sir Edward could have afforded
a month of maneuvering for some other point of attack than this one.
His haugtiness was of a piece with Braddock's ; so was the penalty.

Three ships were at last warped to the bank of the river. Then get
ting our mouldy regimental properties stowed, we thanked God for a
blessed deliverance and sailed for Brazos Santiago, on the other side of
the gulf. The Baltimore, a clipper-built brig, new, sweet-smelling, clean
and fast, was assigned to Company H and two others, Lieutenant-Colonel
Nave in command. The sea has always been kind to me. Throughout the
transit 1 kept the deck without a qualm of the terrible rnal de mer, and
when in the second night out the lights of Brazos rose to view, I saw
them with downright regret.

Of that outing — there may he too much familiarity in the word — there
remained to me two distinct recollections. One of an enormous turtle on
its back on the deck under a tarpaulin. To my landsman's eye the crea
ture was a curiosity of itself. What stamped it on my mind, however,
was the use and treatment to which it was put. Twice each day of the
voyage the cook resorted to it to supply the officers' table, in the morning
for steak and in the afternoon for soup, and when we landed the animal
was alive.

The brig lay off shore throughout the night. The next morning I
went on deck to take a look at Brazos. An inlet scarce wider than a
canal let into a bay three or four miles wide. On the farther side of the
bay a snow-white tower of fair elevation rose apparently out of the water.
The tower I came to know as a lighthouse on Point Isabel, General Tay
lor's base of operation against Matainoras. A chain of low dunes or shift
ing sand-hills ran parallel with the beach, hiding the landscape behind it,
and the dunes were naked except that here and there a vine sprawled
itself out; too verdureless to cast a shadow. One hut, with a chimney of
barrels, half buried in a sea of driftage and curtained round about by
hides drying in the wind and sun, was all that spoke of human habitation.
There, they told me, Padre Island terminated, while all south of the inlet
constituted Brazos de Santiago. Xo town, no grass, not a tree. Heavens,
what an awakening !

Now, I did not keep a diary and it is too late to invent one — this in
relief of all who follow me through these pages. But my memory serves
me respecting two orders — the first one from Brigadier-General Lane,
and it sent us to Camp Belknap. ten .miles above the mouth of the Rio
Grande.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA,

NEW ALBANY. IND., June 24, 184G.
General Order No. 6.

I. In view of the intended transportation of the Indiana Volunteers
towards the seat of war, by the seventh day from this date, inclusive, it
is recommended that the captain, or some other agent or agents, of each
and every company of said volunteers forthwith proceed to make contracts
for furnishing clothing and other necessary articles for the non-commis
sioned officers, musicians and privates, not exceeding, with what has al
ready been obtained or contracted for, two uniform suits, two pairs of
stout shoes with broad and thick soles, one suitable hat or cap in addi
tion to the ordinary forage cap, two cotton shirts, two flannel shirts, two
pairs of drawers, four pairs of stockings, and one good blanket for each
man. If overcoats can be conveniently procured, it is considered desir
able that they should be furnished.

II. As the most convenient, and indeed the only convenient, mode of
making payment for such articles, it is recommended that an undqrstand-
ing be had in each company, by which, when the paymaster of the army,
who is now here and in readiness to make a payment to the men, shall
make such payment, each volunteer shall consent that a certain amount
of the wages to be paid to him shall remain in the hands of the captain
or such other agent or agents as the volunteer may select, as a fund to
defray all the necessary expenditures.

It is believed that twenty-five dollars thus deducted from the pay
ment to be made to each man will be sufficient to pay for all the neces
sary purchases. After such expenses have been defrayed, the surplus re
maining in the hands of the captain, or other agent of the company, can
be paid-over to the men to whom it may be due. This arrangement will
avoid the necessity of taking a multiplicity of receipts and orders, which
would greatly embarrass the paymaster, and enable the captains or agents
employed to make all necessary contracts with perfect safety to them
selves and to those who may furnish the articles required.

111. Hy a communication received from Brigadier-General Wool of
the United States Army, it is understood to be his intention to order the
Indiana Volunteers forward at the very earliest period at which they can
be got ready — within seven days at farthest— the object being to get them
through New Orleans before the sickly season commences. As there is
now no cause of delay except for the purpose of procuring the necessary
articles of clothing above enumerated, the Governor and Commander in
Chief cannot too strongly urge upon the officers of the respective com
panies the necessity of their active and prompt exertions. He is exceed
ingly desirous that the gallant volunteers of Indiana shall go forth on the
patriotic expedition they have undertaken amply provided with every
thing necessary to make a respectable appearance, and more especially
with everything requisite for their health and comfort.

Given under my hand on the day and year aforesaid,

JAMES WHITCOMB,
Governor and Commander in Chief Indiana Militia.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA,

NEW ALBANY, IND., June 24, 1846.
General Order No. 7.

WHEREAS, The thirty companies of volunteers called for from Indiana
are now assembled at this place, fully provided with commisisioned offi
cers (according to existing laws) ; and,

WHEREAS, The commandants of the different companies having been
requested by the undersigned to organize the same into three regiments,
and not having been able to effect the same, have, in a joint meeting, re
quested the Executive to make such organization;

Now, therefore, In pursuance of auch request, and of the authority in
me vested, I, James Whitcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, do
hereby declare that the said three regiments shall be organized as fol
lows — that is to say :

One regiment shall be composed of the Mad Anthony Guards, Allen
County, Captain J. W. McLane ; Wayne Guards, Allen County, Captain
I). W. Lewis; Wabash Rangers, Miami County, Captain J. M. Wilson;
Cass County Volunteers, Cass County, Captain S. S. Tipton ; Wabash In-
vincibles, Carroll County, Captain R. H. Milroy ; Fountain Volunteers,
Fountain County, Captain R. M. Evans; Montgomery Volunteers, Mont
gomery County, Captain II. S. Lane; Putnam Blues, Putnam County,
Captain J. H. Roberts; Ilendricks County Volunteers, Hendricks County,
Captain C. C. Nave; Marion Volunteers. Marion County, Captain J. P.
Drake.

And one regiment to be composed of the Sullivan Volunteers, Sulli
van County, Captain J. W. Briggs ; Clay County Volunteers, Clay County.
Captain J. Osborn ; Green County Volunteers, Green County, Captain S.
H. Rosseau ; Lawrence Greys, Lawrence County, Captain H. Davis ;
Hoosier Boys, Orange County, Captain W. A. Bowles ; Washington Rifle
men, Washington County, Captain A. Dennis ; Posey Guards, Washing
ton County, Captain N. Kimball ; Indiana Riflemen, Vanderburgh County,
Captain W. Walker; Spencer Greys, Floyd County, Captain W. S. San
derson ; Lanesville Legion, Harrison County, Captain C. Gresham.

One regiment to be composed of the Johnson Guards, Johnson County,
Captain D. Allen; Brown County Blues, Brown County, Captain J. Tag-
gart; Shelby Riflemen, Shelby County, Captain V. Conover ; Monroe
Guards. Monroe County, Captain J. Sluss ; Bartholomew Volunteers, Bar
tholomew County, Captain J. S. Boardman ; Dearborn Volunteers, Dear
born County, Captain J. H. Lane ; Switzerland Riflemen, Switzerland
County, Captain S. Carter ; Washington Guards. Jefferson County, Captain
W. Ford; Madison Rifles, Jefferson County, Captain T. S. Sullivan:
Clark Guards. Clark County, Captain T. W. Gibson.

The election of the colonels, lieutenant-colonels and majors of the
said regiments will take place tomorrow; the manner of conducting
which, according to the laws of the State, will for general convenience b-e
communicated through the medium now adopted during this day.

The rank or number of the regiments will be determined by the rank
of the commandants of the same, when elected and commissioned.

Given under my hand on this day and year, and at the place afore
said. JAMES WHITCOMB,

Governor of Indiana.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA,

NEW ALBANY, June 24, 1846.
General Order No. 8.

I. The captain of each company of Indiana Volunteers, now assem
bled at their encampment near this place, is requested to give full and
early notice to all the members of his company that an election will be
held on said encampment ground on tomorrow, the 25th inst. for the
purpose of electing one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel and one major of
the regiment to which such company may belong, as designated in Gen
eral Order No. G of this date, and that said election may be otherwise
governed by the following provisions :

II. The members of each company shall elect, by a majority of their
number, three judges and a clerk of election, one of said judges to admin
ister an oath or affirmation to the other judges and clerks, and himself
to be sworn or affirmed by one of the latter judges faithfully and impar
tially to discharge their respective duties as such.

III. Said judges shall there open a poll or precinct for the com
pany to which they belong, at the present location of said company, on
said encampment ground, and proceed to receive the ballots of all the
members of said company offering to vote, from the hour of 10 o'clock
A. M. and continuing until the hour of 6 o'clock p. M. of said day, unless

all the members of said company (not declining to vote) have sooner
voted.

IV. The clerk shall write down the name of each voter in a list as
required by law. and at the close of the election the judges and clerks
shall count the ballots and declare the number of votes by each candi
date received, respectively, for said offices, and make out a written certifi
cate of the same signed by the judges and attested by the clerks.

V. The judges and clerks of each and every company, in each of
said regiments, shall, as soon as the election is closed at their precincts,
forthwith meet at the location of the company commanded by the cap
tain holding the senior commission in said regiment, or at the location
of such other company in said regiment as they may agree upon, and add
together the votes received by each candidate at any and all of said pre
cincts, and declare the result of said election. They shall also make out
a written certificate stating the names of the candidates who have re
ceived the highest number of votes for the offices of colonel, lieuteuant-
colonel and major of their respective regiments, and that the same have
been duly elected, which shall be signed by all of said judges and attested
by all of said clerks of the proper regiment to which they belong, and to
be by them forthwith delivered to the Adjutant-General of the Indiana
Militia, who is now in this place, in order that commissions may be issued
without delay.

VI. It is recommended that the names of the candidates for colonel,
lieutenant-colonel and major be written on one piece of paper or ballot
and that all of said officers be voted for at the same time.

VII. All persons, are warned against interfering in any manner with
the freedom of said election. Every volunteer shall be protected in his
right to vote a folded or closed ballot, against the same being improperly
exposed, and against any undue restraint or interference from any quarter
whatsoever, in the free exercise of his right of suffrage. Any attempt to
infringe upon the freest privileges of the voters will be promptly visited
by punishment under the penal laws of the State.

Given under my hand on the day and year aforesaid.

JAMES WHITCOMB,
Governor and Commander in Chief Indiana Militia.

CAMP GOSSIP.

Indiana Democrat, June 26, 1846.

NEW ALBANY, June 22, 1846.

FRIEND SPANN — According to my expressed intention, I drop you this
line to give our readers a few of the incidents of the journey of the troops
from Indianapolis to Camp Whitcomb, near New Albany.

We all arrived safely and in good time at the railroad depot in Edin-
burg on Thursday morning and there found in waiting for us a Shelbyville
company under Captain Conover. (As fine a company of young men as
you ever saw.) There was also the company of Captain Evans, Fountain
County, which had failed to reach the cars in time on the preceding day,
which, added to the fine companies of Captain Drake and Captain Milroy,
made in all four companies of volunteers, all to be carried on the cars at

once, together with some one hundred other passengers, making the one
train to transport all of five hundred persons. The cars reached Madison
at ahout 6 o'clock in the evening, in time to meet the boats which were
procured to transport them to Jeft'ersonville. The Swiftsure No. 4 took
the Marion and Fountain companies; the Adalaide the Carroll company
and the Pike the Shelby company. As the Swiftsure left the wharf at
Madison just at dark, a general cheer greeted the parting soldiers and a
gun was fired. After the boat was fairly under way it was discovered
that the gun which had been discharged was loaded with a ball and that
the carpenter of the boat was shot through the thigh in front of the bone.
Dr. McClure was immediately called and proceeded to cut out the bullet
from the opposite side where it had entered. The wound was a very bad
one, but it was well dressed and the poor sufferer was left confined to his
bed to endure the consequence of this most wanton, reckless act.

Early on Friday morning the troops were lauded at Jeffersouville and
proceeded to camp, which is situated near the foot of the falls of the Ohio,
about three-quarters of a mile above New Albany. The camp is on a large
tract of cleared land, with a heavy forest on its western edge, and is just
below the mouth of Silver Creek. The creek is very muddy and its waters
are unfit for use. The troops were compelled to drink the river water,
which many of them bitterly complained of, they never having been used
to any other than gushing springs or crystal wells. The old river traders
consider the river water most wholesome and say that the soldiers will
soon get accustomed to its use and become fond of it.

On Saturday, the 20th, the whole number of troops had arrived at
camp and in quarters. Not a single company failed, much to the regret of
others who had hoped that by some accident or failure, they might be per
mitted to have a chance to serve their country. Captain McCarty of
Brookville, being the thirty-first company, was on the ground ready to fill
any place which any delinquency of others might present, but he was
doomed to disappointment and he and a part of his company have re
turned to their homes.

Most of the companies have been inspected and received in the service
of the United States by Colonel Churchill. But few were rejected. Not
one was objected to in the Brown County Company. Only one man was
rejected in the Marion Volunteers, and he because his shoulder was some
what misshapen. The overplus of the companies was generally disposed
of by their enrollment in such companies as were not entirely full.

A novel and exciting incident occurred in the company of Captain
Walker of Evansville. After the inspection, by a mere accidental cir
cumstance which took place in camp, it was discovered that one of the in
spected volunteers was a female. Her history was not known until after
the discovery, when, with tears in her eyes, and the deepest and appar
ently most sincere manner, she stated that she was poor and friendless:
that her father was a soldier in General Taylor's army on the Rio Grande
and that she knew of no other way of getting to her father than by join
ing the army which was to be ordered to the place where he was stationed.
Her heroism was rewarded by a contribution from the company and she
left on a steamboat bound downward. She says she is a resident of Ten
nessee and gave the names of her parents and many of their neighbors.

5-18750

Governor Whitcomb arrived in camp on Saturday morning, where he
was well received by the troops and by the numerous visitors who are
here. Mr. Dunning is also here.

General Wool inspected, or rather reviewed, the troops in camp on
Saturday and seemed well pleased with their appearance. He remarked
that he wished them all to use diligence in preparing for their departure,
which he hoped might be effected in two weeks. He suggested that they
would be shipped in detachments of such extent as can be forwarded from
New Orleans without delay, as it is difficult always to find immediate
transportation for large armies, but he thought it dangerous to their
health to retain them longer at New Orleans.

Our Indiana volunteers are drawing their tents and camp equipage
and some few blankets. They now receive regular rations and are on
regular pay. There is scarcely any sickness amongst the men and none of
a dangerous character.

A. F. MORRISON.

MOUNTED EIFLEMEN.

Indiana Democrat, Julij 3, 1846.

Lieutenant M. E. Van Buren, who is now in the city, has opened a ren
dezvous at this point for enlisting recruits for the regiment of mounted
riflemen lately authorized to be raised by congress. This is a fine oppor
tunity for an excursion to California, Oregon, etc., at public expense. All
recruits are required to be between the ages of 19 and 35.

LETTER FROM A. F. MORRISON.

Indiana Democrat, July 3, 18.ff6.

NEW ALBANY, June 25, 1846.

DEAR SIR — On yesterday at 2 o'clock the governor announced the reor
ganization of regiments as follows : See General Order No. 7. During
the same evening another general order was issued, directing that an election
should be held on the ensuing day. The several companies voted sepa
rately. In the Northern Regiment James P. Drake was elected Colonel, no
regular opposition being against him. C. C. Nave was elected Lieutenant-
Colonel and Henry S. Lane, Major. Also without opposition. In the Ohio
River Regiment James H. Lane was elected Colonel; William M. McCarty,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Willis A. Gorman, Major. In the Wabash, the
Western Regiment, Joseph Lane was elected Colonel ; W. R. Haddon, I^ieu-
tenant-Colonel ; James A. Cravens, Major.

Henry S. Lane and C. C. Nave are the only Whigs who are elected.
Considerable excitement prevailed, some charging that political influences
were at work and others denying that any such influence was exerted.
The Whigs charged such feelings to the Democrats and the Democrats re
criminated upon the Whigs. Captain Tipton withdrew from the contest

for colonel and said that if he had been ele:-te;l he should have refused to
accept the office. He has accepted a lieutenancy in the T'nited States
Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.

General Wool informed the Governor and Colonel Churchill that the
Indiana troops must, if possible, be in readiness for marching or debarka
tion within eight days from Tuesday last, the 23d. which would be the
first of July. It will require much exertion to have them in order to de
part on that day. and although so ordered, the time may be somewhat. ex
tended, as certain days have, on more than one occasion, been set for the
departure of the Kentucky troops and those days are past and the troops
are still in camp at Oakland. The Indiana Volunteers expect to draw
their clothing pay on Friday or Saturday and are very busy preparing
uniforms and making other provisions for their journey.

John McDougall has been elected captain of the Marion Volunteers in
the place of Colonel Drake, by an almost unanimous vote, and Noah Noble
Campbell, first lieutenant, in place of McDougall.

June 30, 1846.

Dr. McClure has just started for Indianapolis. I hasten to inform
you that the orders were yesterday given to Colonel Drake, the senior col
onel of the brigade, to be in immediate readiness to leave for Point Isabel
with the Indiana troops just as soon as they are ready to be shipped and
the quartermaster is ordered to prepare transportation as it may be re
quired. One regiment will leave as early as Friday next.

The men were being paid yesterday, and are receiving $3(5.43 as cloth
ing pay. They get no monthly pay until the regular pay-day, which is
once in every sixty days.

All of the Indiana troops will depart as early as the 7th, and nothing
now detains them but the delay incident to having their clothes made and
getting ready to move. They are in good spirits, anxious to reach the
place of destination ; are in as good health as could be expected. There
are some slight cases of sickness which might be considered very natural
to a camp life by those who are unused to it and who must be more or
less affected by change of water, diet and mode of living. I think Colonel
Drake's regiment will be the first ready and the first to leave. The
Marion Volunteers are ready on an hour's notice, as are also several other
companies in the regiment. The men have drawn their tents and are liv
ing in them in regular military order. Six men constitute a mess and
occupy a tent. The whole brigade, including officers, is composed of 2,553
men, which number encamped in order, makes a very beautiful and impos
ing appearance.

Every hour affords some incident of amusement. The inexhaustible
fund of anecdotes, singular expression, mischievous prank and daring con
duct of these boys always afford an interest to the visitors in camp.

68
THE OVERFLOW.

Indiana Democrat, June \26, 184fi.

We are indebted to the politeness of Adjutant-General Reynolds for
the following list of companies reported to the Governor, in obedience to
the call for volunteers, but which came in after the requisition was full.
They were commissioned in the order in which they stand and are held
in reserve for any future exigency :

FRANKLIN GUARDS.

William M. McCarty, captain; John B. Campbell, first lieutenant;
John M. Myers, second lieutenant. Franklin County.

RUSH INFANTRY.

N. R. Hayden, captain; O. C. Hackleman, first lieutenant; J. W.
Hilligass, second lieutenant. Rush County.

YELLOW JACKET RIFLE COMPANY.
Gilbert Budd, captain. Old company filled up. Floyd County.

LAKE COUNTY RANGERS.
J. P. Smith, captain. Old company filled up. Lake County.

LAWRENCE VOLUNTEERS.

R. G. Norvell, captain; J. H. McClelland, first lieutenant; T. J. Mat-
tingly, second lieutenant. Lawrence County.

MORGAN COUNTY RANGERS.

J. W. Cox, captain; P. Williams, first lieutenant; J. W. Fort, second
lieutenant. Morgan County.

RISING SUN GRAYS.
J. C. Wells, captain. Old company filled up. Ohio County.

DECATUR COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

J. M. Talbott, captain; J. E. Hansier, first lieutenant; J. B. Lathrop,
second lieutenant. Decatur County.

JENNINGS COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Dewitt C. Rich, captain; Daniel Byfield, first lieutenant; J. M. Lat-
timor, second lieutenant. Jennings County.

JACKSON GUARDS.

W. G. Laux, captain; David Cody, first lieutenant; D. H. Burnwell,
second lieutenant. Jackson County.

COL. JAMES P. DRAKE

FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS

CLINTON BOYS.

Thomas Kiimaii. captain ; James F. Suet, first lieutenant ; Thomas
Dunn, second lieutenant. Clinton County.

PAItKE COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

.Jacob Oldhouse. captain: Austin M. Pruett. first lieutenant: R. M.
Gilkinson, second lieutenant. Parke County.

FORT HARRISON GUARDS.

Landon Cochran, captain ; Fleming Magaw, first lieutenant ; James
II. Mullen, second lieutenant. Yigo County.

MARION GUARDS.

John M. Wallace, captain: J. S. S. D. Carey, first lieutenant; J. W.
Dodd, second lieutenant; Oiner Gregg, third lieutenant; T. E. Carroll,
ensign ; two officers excess. Grant County.

MUNCIE GUARDS.

David Kilgore. captain; Thomas J. Sample, first lieutenant; John S.
Garver, second lieutenant. Delaware County.

RIO GRANDE RIFLE COMPANY.

Thomas Patterson, captain; Hezekiah Shook, first lieutenant; Robert
\Y. Roberts, second lieutenant. Ripley County.

MADISON COUNTY CAVALRY.

T. G. Clarke, captain; W. R. O'Neal, first lieutenant; R. M. Clarke,
second lieutenant. Madison County.

HENRY COUNTY GUARDS.

Matthew S. Ward, captain ; Henry Shroyer, first lieutenant ; Pyrrhus
Woodward, second lieutenant. Henry County.

PENDLETON INVINCIBLES.

A. Russell, captain; D. Bausman, first lieutenant; F. G. Pavey, sec
ond lieutenant. Madison County.

GERMAN RIFLE COMPANY.

J. Frank, captain. Old company filled up. Floyd County.

KOSCIUSKO GUARDS.

J. B. Chapman, captain ; E. S. Muirheid, first lieutenant ; S. H. Colrns,
second lieutenant. Kosciusko County.

Twenty-two companies, making the tota.l number of companies which
tendered their services fifty-two.

70
MUSTERED INTO SERVICE.

Indiana Sentinel, June 27, 1846.

We learn by the Louisville papers that the Indiana Volunteers were
all mustered into service on Friday, the l(.)th. There was one company
more than was requisite, Captain McCarty's, of Brookville.

Governor Whitcomb arrived at the camp on the 20th and was well
received. Mr. Dunning was also present.

The troops were instructed and received by Colonel Churchill; but
few were rejected; one from Marion County on account of a misshapen
shoulder; but it is stated that by a little padding he got into another
company.

General Wool reviewed the troops on the 20th. He said that their
departure would be speedily provided, for. They will be sent in detach
ments to New Orleans so as to avoid remaining long at that place. The
men are generally well, tjiough they do not relish the river water which
they are obliged to drink. They will soon become accustomed to that.

NOBLY DONE.

Indiana Sentinel, June 27, 1846.

The citizens of Clay County held a public- meeting at Bowling Green
on the 1,'Hh inst., which we have no doubt has been carried into full
effect.

WHEREAS, A number of those who have volunteered their services in
defense of our country's rights will leave behind them families who may
be in want of provisions, fuel, etc., in consequence of the absence of said

Therefore, be it resolved, That the committee appoint one or more per
sons in each township whose duty it shall be to visit the families of the
volunteers therein and provide for their wants, and that he report his pro
ceedings to the President at each stated meeting at Bowling Green.

Resolved, That the committee will provide for all the necessary wants
of the families left by the volunteers from Clay County.

Resolved, That in case any of the volunteers should not return we will
provide for the widow during her widowhood or until the Government
shall provide for her and for the education of the children of the volun
teers who may not return.

Rexolred, That lor the sure performance of the above resolutions we
pledge our word of honor.

OLIVER CROMWELL, President;

C. C: MODSITT, Secretary;

JOHN WILLIAMS, Treasurer;

THOMAS HARVEY,

DAVID PARKER,

T. THOUT,

DANIEL ZENOR,

WILLIAM C. MORGAN,

MONTGOMERY HOBB,

JOHN P. TURNER,

JOHN DUNHAM,

AMOS W. HEDGE.

71
INDIANA BRIGADE AT CAMP BELKNAP.

"Campaign in Mexico," Isaac Reed, First Indiana, June, 1SJ{6.

The Indiana Brigade left the sandy shores of the giilf and marched
about eight miles up the Rio Grande, and there encamped in a chaparral
about a mile from the river. The First, Second and Third Ohio. Second
Kentucky. Georgia and Alabama regiments and Baltimore battalion were
encamped near us. We were told by our officers that we would be moved
forward in the order in which we arrived. This statement led us to con
clude that Colonel Jefferson Da vis's regiment (Mississippi riflemen) would
be stationed at the mouth of the Rio Grande, because it did not arrive
at Brazos Santiago until after all of the above named regiments, the
Louisville Legion and the Indiana regiments had arrived. Subsequent
events indicated that the Mississippians would be more fortunate than we
had supposed. Information was received that two of the Illinois regi
ments would soon arrive at Brazos Santiago.

Our encampment was known by the name of Camp Belknap, and was
a very pleasant location at first. The greater part of the bushes were cut
down, leaving only a few to protect us from the burning sun. where we
could recline at ease until some of the larger class of ants would give us
a few grips that left no doubt of their position and their hostile inten
tions. Only a few days elapsed until there was a rise in the Rio Grande
and the plain between it and our encampment was overflowed, so that
we could not obtain any water to drink without wading a muddy pond
half a mile wide. This caused considerable sickness among the volun
teers, and the dead march was heard nearlv every dav.

MOUNTED RIFLEMEN.

Indiana Democrat, July 3, 1846.

Lieutenant M. E. Van Buren, who is now in the city, has opened a
rendezvous at this point for enlisting recruits for the regiment of mounted
riflemen lately authorized to be raised by Congress. This is a fine oppo-
tunity for an excursion to California, Oregon, etc., at public expense. All
recruits are required to be between the ages of nineteen and thirty-five.

A GOOD WORD FOR THE GOVERNOR.

Louisville Democrat, July 9, 1846.

James Whitcomb, the Governor of Indiana, has done his duty in the
present crisis like a man. His orders were made out clearly and intelli
gently; he promptly provided the means for the volunteers in their
march. He came to New Albany, the place of rendezvous, himself at the
time appointed and remained to attend to every duty as occasion called.
He made himself accessible to all, prompt and ready to give every in
formation and satisfaction in his power. The consequence is there has
been comparatively no dissatisfaction, and we venture to say that the
business will be done in order in that State and give less trouble in the
future than in any other of our western states.

72
COL. JO LANE APPOINTED BRIGADIER-GENERAL.

Indiana Democrat, July 10, 1846.

Joseph Lane of Vanderburgli County has been appointed Brigadier-
General of the Indiana Brigade. General Lane is a tirm, energetic and
courageous man, composing all the requisites to make a useful and popu
lar commander, and his appointment appeared to be received by the troops
with the most perfect satisfaction.

FATAL ACCIDENT.

BrookL'ille American, July 10, 1846.

Yesterday evening while Lieutenant J. W. Powers of the Montgomery
Volunteers was on his way to the camp out of the city, accompanied by
two or three friends, the horses in the hack in which he was riding took
fright and ran off, precipitating the hack into a ravine near the river, a
distance of nearly thirty feet, with such violence as to severely bruise
his head and neck, causing almost immediate death. He survived but
about forty minutes afterward. We learn that he was a young man of
good habits, of amiable and social qualities, about twenty years of age
and of wealthy and respectable parentage. His father is a merchant of
Crawfordsville, Indiana. The funeral obsequies are to take place today
and, as we learn, with the honors of war.

We are creditably informed that no fault can be attached to the
driver as he is a man of prudence and caution and the horses were
usually gentle and manageable. — New Albany (Indiana) Bulletin.

THE REJECTED COMPANY.

Indiana Democrat, July 10, 1846.

A misapprehension was created, through some means, in regard to
the acceptance of the volunteer company from Franklin County, com
manded by Captain McCarty. The news was taken to Captain McCarty
that partiality had been exercised by the Governor in giving preference
to some other company over the Franklin company, and a publication was
made at Brook ville charging that the company had been at one time ac
cepted by the Governor, and that he afterward took from the postoffice
at Indianapolis the letter of acceptance and gave preference to another
company, to the exclusion of the Franklin company.

On the arrival of the Adjutant-General at New Albany he informed
Captain McCarty of the facts of the case, and showed him the regular
official register, which proved that the Franklin company was the thirty-
first company and therefore could not be received unless some one or more
of the previously accepted companies failed to reach the rendezvous. The
reason why the letter of the Adjutant-General was withdrawn from the
postoffice was that the Governor, some four or five days previous to the

receipt of the returns of the elections of the officers of the Franklin com
pany, had received returns from the Wabash Rangers of Peru, had ac
cepted their company and, in the hurry of business, had failed to report
the acceptance of the Rangers to the Adjutant-General, and only in
formed him in time to prevent the reception of one more company than
the requisition of the State permitted.

Captain Wilson of the Wabash Rangers was a Whig, but there was
no political influence to prompt the Governor to accept him and reject
McCarty. because Wilson was accepted, as before stated, more than four
days before McCarty applied.

Captain McCarty, now Colonel McCarty, has become perfectly satis
fied of the correct treatment of his company and has sent to the Brook-
ville Democrat a letter of explanation fully acquitting Governor Whit-
comb of all censure on this subject.

DEPASTURE OF THE INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Democrat, July 10, 1S46.

The friends and relatives of the Indiana Volunteers are doubtless
anxious to know all that materially concerns them. We left Camp Whit-
comb on Sunday, the 5th of July, after having been at that camp for more
than two weeks. The men were in uncommonly good health, considering
that 2,553 of them were encamped in their tents, subject to all the
changes of tide, water and habits of living incident to the change from
the life of a citizen to that of a soldier. Not a man had died during the
time of our stay at New Albany and but very few serious cases of sick
ness had occurred. The men had all been paid their clothing pay for one
year, and had provided their uniforms and necessary shirts, drawers,
socks, shoes, blankets, etc., and looked neat, clean and comfortable. The
First Regiment, commanded by Colonel Drake, went on board steamboats
on Sunday afternoon, and left on that evening for New Orleans. Six
companies were shipped on board the Cincinnati, and four companies on
the Grace Darling, making the full regiment on the two boats. They are
to stop at Baton Rouge to draw their gims and other fighting equipments
and will then be lauded near New Orleans to be transshipped in ocean
steamers or slow vessels to Point Isabel, with as little delay at New Or
leans as possible.

The Second and Third regiments were to leave at intervals of two
days, one on Tuesday and the other on Thursday, so that by this day
every Indiana volunteer will be nearing his way to the plains of Mexico,
elated with the hope, full of urgent desire to join his fellow-soldiers in
the incursion into the interior of the enemy's country.

As an evidence of the good state of health which is prevailing among
the troops, we believe there was not a man in Colonel Drake's regiment
who was not able to go on board the steamboat without assistance. The
health of New Orleans is reported by passengers from the city as being
very good.

74
STABBED AN OFFICER.

Indiana Democrat, July 10, 18Jt6.

On Friday afternoon, at Camp Whitcomb, near New Albany, Lieuten
ant Parcel, of Captain Wilson's company of Wabash Hangers, received a
very dangerous stab in the side, between the ribs and the haunch bone.
The man who stabbed him was a member of his company, an Irishman
near 40 years of age, by the name of Michael McDonald, who joined the
company at Edinburg and says he has been in America about twenty-one
years.

Lieutenant Parcel gave him no cause of offense other than by ordering
him to cease quarreling with one or two other volunteers near the tent,
when he struck at the Lieutenant with his knife, which entered the body
nearly four inches. McDonald was immediately arrested, and on the next
morning a court-martial was called, which examined the evidence, heard
the argument, but did not make known their decision. The court ordered
him to be put in irons and to be taken with the regiment down the river.
Lieutenant Parcel is not dead and hopes are entertained that he may re
cover. We believe the regulations of the army punish McDonald's crime
with death by shooting. We shall look for the announcement of the ver
dict of the court with much interest.

OFF FOR MEXICO.

Indiana Sentinel, July 11, 1846.

NEW ALBANY, INDIANA, July 5, 184(5, 5 p. m.

DEAR CHAPMAN — The steamer "Cincinnati" has just left the wharf for
the city of New Orleans, bearing six companies of our troops under com
mand of Colonel Drake.

I dined on board the steamer with the troops and took leave of many
an intimate friend. The wharf and bank were thronged with many anx
ious spectators, and when the vessel turned from the shore and the cannon
forced her thunder across the water and our volunteers turned a wistful
(•ye to the land they were leaving, they waved their caps and shouted a
parting blessing to Indiana, which was responded to by cheers and shouts
from the dense throng on shore and the waving of handkerchiefs by white
hands from every garden, window and portico in the vicinity.

While I am writing the steamer "Grace Darling" has rounded to to
take on board the remaining four companies of the First Regiment, which
includes all of the troops north of the National Road. The other two regi
ments are expected to leave within a few days. I expect to be at home in
six or eight days. Your friend.

DAVID REYNOLDS.

75
SKETCHES IX CAMP BY AX EX-REPORTER.— No. 1.

Indiana Sentinel, July 11, 1846.

The Indiana Volunteers had spent more than two weeks in ("amp Whit-
comb, when, on the 3d of July Colonel Drake announced that on the 5th
of July, the regiment under his command would leave the camp for Mata-
moras. No sooner was this fact made known than the air was rent with
the deafening shouts of the volunteers. Every countenance wore a smile
and their actions too plainly showed that they were all on hand and not
only ready but anxious to serve their country.

The next day was principally spent in making preparations to leave.
They had intended to parade and celebrate the Fourth of July in a suit
able manner, but the most of us came to the conclusion that preparing to
start for the Rio Grande was more important than to parade, and we lost
no time in making the necessary arrangements, and by noon everything
was in readiness. The Fourth was celebrated by firing the cannon, the day
went off well, with the exception that one of the lieutenants of the Wabash
Rangers was stabbed by a private in that company. I do not recall the
name of the private that committed the crime, but I understand that he
formerly worked in Indianapolis at the blacksmithing business. He was
immediately taken into custody and will probably be tried by court-martial
tomorrow.

The next day (the 5th) being the time appointed to start for Mexico,
we arose early in the morning, took down our tents and rolled them up.
and everything was soon put in readiness. Just before we left the camp
two gentlemen presented each soldier of the First Regiment with a testa
ment ; some, however, being absent from the camp, got no testaments.

The Mad Anthony Guards. Wayne Guards. Wabash Rangers. Wabash
Invincibles, Fountain Volunteers and Putnam Blues went aboard the Cin
cinnati, and the Marion Volunteers. Montgomery Volunteers, Cass Volun
teers and Ileudricks Volunteers went on board the Grace Darling.

Just before the Cincinnati pushed off a fight came off between one of
the Wayne Guards and a deck hand. The deck hand got the worst of the
fight, one eye being so badly bruised that it looked as though it would
never again be fit for use. As the boat left, the soldiers were applauded by
the crowd collected on the shore.

ARRIVALS OF VOLUXTEERS AT XEW ORLEAXS.

Orleans Picai/unc, July 15, 1846.
Volunteers are now pouring in faster than ever, and are sent off to the
Point with the utmost possible despatch. Colonel Hunt, the quartermaster.
exerting himself to the utmost to procure good transports to enable the
volunteers to reach the seat of war at the earliest possible moment. The
steamboats Homer and James Hewitt arrived from Louisville yesterday.
having on board three regiments of Indiana volunteers under the command
of Colonel Joseph Lane. They are all a fine-looking body of men and will
be able to render a good account of themselves when the opportunity pre
sents itself.

76
ANOTHER DEATH.

Indiana Democrat, July 17.

A private of Captain Sullivan's company fell and expired in a few mo
ments on Wednesday, the 8th hist., as the company were leaving New Al
bany. as he was approaching the steamboat. He was somewhat intemper
ate and the overpowering heat of the snn induced an attack of apoplexy.

The whole of the Indiana troops are beginning to join the army of oc
cupation. The last of them left New Albany on Sunday, the 12th hist. If
there was no unexpected detention at New Orleans, the First Regiment is
bv this time on the Rio Grande.

LETTER FROM NEW ALBANY.

Madison Courier, July 18, 18.'f().

SIR — The few weeks which have just passed have been remarkable in
our quiet little city. With twenty-fire hundred soldiers encamped among
us it would not be expected that everything would move along in the old
style. We have had the world in miniature all concentrated in New Al
bany. The two companies from your city made a fine appearance, especial
ly the one commanded by Captain Ford.

As soon as the troops all arrived. Governor Whitcomb and General
Reynolds proceeded, as the proper officers, to arrange the companies into
regiments. This work would have been done with dispatch and to the
general satisfaction of the companies had it not been for the party inter
ference of a set of fellows who were too cowardly to volunteer themselves,
but who were mean enough to come from different parts of the State on
the mission of the devil to throw discord among our unsuspecting troops
and to involve our patriotic Governor in difficulties, and if possible to ac
complish something which would operate to his defeat in the coming elec
tion. A certain noted family of auditor and land speculation memory of
Indianapolis was fully represented in this low and dirty work. Governor
Whitcomb, wishing the soldiers to make their own regiments, gave them
the liberty to divide off into regiments to suit themselves.

Nine captains got together and agreed to form the First Regiment and
gat the consent of Captain Ford to make the tenth, having a complete
ticket of their own officers made out as they went along. They reported
themselves to the Governor, but he refused to recognize them as a regi
ment, because they had made a selection of the very best companies in the
camp and the other companies would have felt insulted as they could not
agree in the formation of the other two regiments. This rejection caused
quite a breeze and there were not wanting on the ground in this time of
excitement erratical Whigs, having no connection with the army, and of
course no business there, who did nothing but fan this matter to a flame.
They tried to get the soldiers to revolt and to burn the Governor in effigy.
Even some of the Governor's political friends were operated on for a little
while by this wicked influence.

The Governor bore it undaunted and stood to his post like a man and
a hero, and notwithstanding these enemies in camp, he, assisted by General

Reynolds (a gentleman of the noblest spirit), organized the regiments so
as to give general satisfaction to the entire army ; even the mouths of the
enemy were stopped. The organizaion of the three regiments left the com
pany from Brookville as the first company in reserve, it being the thirty-
first company to report, and all the rest being on the ground there was no
place for it. This matter being most falsely represented to Captain Mc-
Carty, he, for a while, appeared very much incensed against the Governor,
but when the matter was explained to him by the Adjutant-General, he
was fully satisfied that he and his company had been honestly and hon
orably dealt with, and so far as his company were concerned he at once
ceased all complaints.

I was proud of our troops as they marched from Camp Whitcomb to
their respective steamboats which bore them toward their destined battle
fields. They were an honor to the State and I am confident will not dis
grace it.

FIKST INDIANA AT NEW ORLEANS.

Indiana Democrat, July 2^, 18^6.

We have information that the First Regiment of Indiana Volunteers,
under Colonel Drake, arrived at New Orleans on Saturday, the llth of
July. The greatest exertions were making to forward them immediately
to Mexico. The other two regiments were only a few days behind them.

APPOINTMENTS.

Indiana, Democrat, July 31, 1846.

We extract the following list of appointments from a General Order
of the Adjutant-General dated July IT. 1846.

IV. Appointments in pursuance of an act entitled "An act to provide
for the organization of the volunteer forces brought into the service of the
United States into brigades and divisions, and for the appointment of the
necessary number of general officers to command the same. Approved June
26, 1846."

The following named are from Indiana :

Brigadier-General. Joseph Lane. July 1. 1846.

Quartermaster, with the rank of Major. Samuel P. Mooiiey, June 26.
1846.

Assistant Quartermasters, with the rank of Captain. Alanson W. Enos,
June 26, 1846; Robert Mitchell. June 26. 1846.

Commissary, with the rank of Major. Alexander F. Morrison. July 14.
1846.

Commissaries, with the rank of Captain, Chris. C. Graham, June 26.
1846; Xehemiah Haydon, June 26, 1846; Delana R. Eckels, June 26. 1846.

Surgeons, James S. Athon, July 14. 1846: Caleb V. Jones. July 14.
1846; Daniel S. Lane, July 14, 1846.

Assistant Surgeons, William Fosdick. July 14, 1846; John G. Dunn,
July 14, 1846 ; John T. Walker. July 14, 1846.

78
LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT CHARLES C. SMITH.

Indiana Democrat, July 31, 1846.

CAMP JACKSON, La., July 14, 1846.

EDITOR OF DEMOCRAT — In a few hours we embark on board a ship for
Point Isabel, and as we are very busy packing up preparatory to leaving,
I have only a few moments to write. We arrived here on Saturday, July
llth.

The most of us enjoyed good health on board the steamboat. We had
some twenty sick out of our four companies. Below Natchez we lost one
poor fellow by the name of Hart, of the Hendricks company. Every at
tention was paid to him ; every convenience that could be had, and the
attention of two excellent physicians, but all in vain. We buried him at
the barracks graveyard at Baton Rouge.

Our flag is much admired, as it can be seen at all hours waving over
the Marion boys, and if you could know the spirit which animates them
you would have no apprehension but that if any of them live to return to
their friends and their homes that flag will be with them. The sound of
the drum calls to the duty of embarking and to all of our friends we must
say goodbye. I will write again from Point Isabel, when I shall have
more time.

THE THIRD BRINGS UP THE REAR.

Indiana Democrat, July 31, 1846.

The last of the volunteers left New Orleans on the 18th of July, the
First Regiment on the evening of the fifteenth, at which time the Third
Regiment arrived. By some very singular state of things there has been
no letters received here since the arrival of the troops at New Orleans,
which was on the llth hist., a period of twenty days, and their friends are
watching every arrival of the mail with much anxiety.

New Albany Democrat, July 31, 1846.

We learn through the medium of a private letter from an officer in one
of the Indiana Volunteer companies, who writes from on board steamer,
Cincinnati, then near Vicksburg, that the soldiers generally were pretty
healthy and well contended with their situation. In the same letter men
tion is also made of the death of one of the volunteers belonging to Captain
Lewis' company. He died from inflammation of the brain and was buried
with honor by moonlight upon the banks of the majestic Mississippi. A
German from this city who had been drinking to excess, had become rav
ing mad and had been placed under strict watch.

DEATH OF FREEMAN H. CROSS.

Brookville American, July 31, 1846.

We regret to learn from tiie Vicksburg Whig that Mr. Freeman H.
Cross, a volunteer of Colonel Lane's regiment from Indiana, and a relative
of the General of that name belonging to the Louisville Legion, and of

Colonel Cross, killed on the Rio Grande, was drowned by falling off the
wharf boat at Vicksburg on the 13th iust. while the James Hewitt, on
which the regiment embarked for Xew Orleans, was lying at the landing.
The Whig says that if his body should be found it will be decently in
terred so that his friends can reclaim it if desired. Mr. Cross was from
Charlestown, Indiana.

SKETCHES IX CAMP.— No. 2.

Indiana Sentinel, August 1, 1840.

We had a very pleasant trip from Camp Whitcomb to the battle ground,
though we were not altogether exempt from misfortunes. Sickness and
death preyed upon our ranks. On the night of the 7th Dennis Keyton of
the Wayne Guards died after a very short illness. He was a native of
Scotland, but had adopted America for his home. He was a warm-hearted
associate, a true patriot and a brave soldier. On the 8th we stopped at
Memphis to bury our fellow soldier, and I am informed he was refused
a burial place in the graveyard. After the sun had set and it began, to
grow dark we stopped five miles above Helena and buried him. He de
served a better interment, but it \vras not in our power to do better.

We stopped a few minutes at Vicksburg on the 9th. The next evening
we stopped at Baton Rouge and received our arms. While lying in port
some of the soldiers observed a little Frenchman in possession of a coat
belonging to the Mad Anthony Guards. It appears that the little scape
goat had been in the habit of traveling the river, working his passage and
stealing. He pretended to be crazy, but this was doubtless a scheme to
deceive. Money had been stolen from the soldiers in nearly every com
pany and there can be but little doubt that he was the thief. The coat
was found, but none of the lost money. He was kicked about considerably
and by some means got ashore.

The soldiers generally enjoy good health, taking everything into con
sideration. However, the lieutenant of the Wabash Rangers, who was
stabbed at Camp Whitcomb, grew worse, so that we left him with a friend
at St. Francisville, some distance above Baton Rouge. The man that"
stabbed him was kept on the boat in irons. I know not what his fate will
be, but the probability is that sentence of death has already been passed
upon him and that it is only known by the court-martial.

I have a strong hope that the lieutenant will recover, but it is ex
tremely doubtful whether he will be as well and athletic as he was before.
On the morning of the llth we arrived on General Jackson's battle ground
and there pitched our tents. The Grace Darling arrived here after sun
down, bringing the other four companies of our regiment, and it was with
deep regret that we learned that Mr. Hart of the Heudricks County Volun
teers had died on the boat and was buried at Baton Rouge. There was
some sickness on the Grace Darling, but all appeared to be on the mend.

80
COL. DRAKE WRITES HOME.

Indiana Democrat, August 7, 1846.

We have been kindly furnished with the following extract of a letter
from Colonel Drake containing additional items of interest concerning the
volunteers:

ON BOARD SHIP SOPHIA WALKER, July 16, 1846, 9 o'Clock a. in.

On yesterday eight of my companies embarked on this ship and the
Flavio ; five companies on the Flavio and three on this vessel. I had to
leave two companies and our horses to be sent on some other vessel. It
was thought, before we commenced embarkation, that these ships would
take the whole regiment comfortably, but when wTe embarked we found
that eight companies were as many as could go without crowding too
much. I left Major Lane in command of the two remaining companies, to
wit : The Montgomery Volunteers and the Peru Rangers. The Hendricks
County, Marion and Oass County companies are on board this vessel. The
Putnam, the Fountain, the Carroll and two Allen County companies are on
the Flavio under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Nave. One of the Foun
tain Volunteers has just died from a fall down the hatchway last night.
The Marion Volunteers are now all on their feet and are doing well.

The Third Regiment arrived at New Orleans on the 14th, having lost
L»O of their men on the way, their sick list numbering thirty, who, I be
lieve, were doing well when we left. General Lane, with half of the Sec
ond Regiment, arrived at the battle ground last night at 12 o'clock, all in
good health and having had no accident or sickness. We are nowr about
thirty or forty miles from the Gulf of Mexico, with a fine steamer be
tween our two vessels. One of our ships, the Flavio, is a large class — 640
tons — and the Sophia Walker about 350 tons. We are all in good spirits,
expecting to enter the gulf in a few hours, when we expect to have the
benefit of sea sickness. The country on the shores of the river down here
is but little cultivated. A few feet rise in the river would overflow the
latter. I suppose it is all subject to inundation.

LETTER FROM C. C. SMITH.

Indiana Democrat, Ann list 14, 1846.

GULF OF MEXICO, July 21, 1846.

Our regiment, the First, with the exception of two companies, the
Montgomery and Miami, embarked at the battle ground on Wednesday
evening. July 15. on board ships Sophia Walker and Flavio. Three com
panies, the Cass, Hendricks and Marion, are on board the former. Yes
terday at 10 o'clock, after a very rough passage, land was in sight. Our
cannon gave notice- of our approach and in half an hour we were entering
off the island of Brazos Santiago. As you are aware, none but the small
est cla^s vessels can go over the bar at this island. Colonel Drake went
ashore a short time after our arrival to proc-ure a slower vessel and has
rot yet returned, and MS the sea is very rough today, the probability is
that he will not return until tomorrow.

I witnessed a scene this morning, strange, solemn and affecting, a
burial at sea. A member of the Hendricks County company (Captain
Crawford), McAllister by name, died last night. As there appeared to be
no possibility of getting ashore, we were compelled to. bury him at sea.
His remains were sewn up in a sack, well shotted at the feet, and laid
upon the quarter deck, the flag of his country his pall. At 11 o'clock the
ensign flying at half-mast, reversed, the first gun was tired and the com
panies were formed along the deck ; the body was carried to the star
board gangway, where the burial services were read over it. which being
finished, another gun was fired and his remains were consigned to the
deep. One dull, heavy splash and the blue waves closed over him forever.
Away from home, country, friends and all that makes this world dear,
beneath the waters of the gulf for ages he will sleep. Every attention is
paid to the sick that circumstances will allow.

Under date of the 22d, he continues:

I am again on land, or rather on sand, for the island is nothing but a
sand bar. From the lauding the encampment has the appearance of a
Inrge town and from the number of wagons, boats, etc., unloading and the
men lying around, quite a flourishing one. We pitched our tents this
morning, and if it were not for the sand getting in our eyes and vic
tuals, it would be rather pleasant. The balance of our regiment are being
brought ashore. The two companies 1 spoke of in the first part of my
letter were driven ashore about eleven miles below. Nobody lost. They
will be up tomorrow. We are now moving half a regiment a day to Barita,
our quarters until further notice, some say until September, others for a
few weeks only, but one thing certain, we are bound for Monterey as soon
as possible. The Marion men are all well and would like to hear from
home. Our letters are to be directed to Marion Volunteers. First Regi
ment, Indiana Brigade, in care of Colonel J. P. Drake, Point Isabel. Texas,
from whence they will be sent to us. Could not some of our good friends
send us a paper occasionally The last news from home was July 5th.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— Xo. 3.

Indiana Sentinel, August 19, 1846.

On the 12th of July I took the liberty to go out of the encampment
and view the scenery around. I had heard much of Jackson's battle ground,
and it was a great treat to me to tread upon the vast plain where deeds of
glory had been achieved by the brave, where the flag of liberty and repub
licanism was reared and successfully defended by an army as patriotic as
they were brave. On the 13th our company of Fountain Riflemen elected
Finley L. Maddox first lieutenant. Lieutenant R. W. Lyon resigned his
command at Vicksburg for the purpose of going home. He said he was
satisfied he could not stand the trip. We all regretted this circumstance.
We had .been boasting that no one that volunteered in our company had
gone back, but now all such boasting had to cense. I think Lieutenant
Maddox will "stand the trip" and stand at the mouth of the cannon, too,
if necessary. As he is a believer in scriptural matters, he will doubtless
think of the proverb, "Remember Lot's wife."

6-18760

A boat containing troops from the Third Regiment arrived on the 14th.
Two soldiers were lost on this boat. One died of measles, the other fell
overboard. On the 15th more boats arrived, one containing Tennessee
troops, another troops from the Third Regiment of Ohio, another from the
Second Regiment of Indiana.

The First Regiment from Indiana shipped today for the seat of war.
The Putnam Blues, Fountain Riflemen, Wabash Invincibles, Mad Anthony
Guards and Wayne Guards went on board the Flavio. The Marion Volun
teers, Cass Volunteers and Hendricks County Volunteers went on board the
Sophia Walker. The Montgomery Volunteers and Wabash Rangers re
mained behind and got on a barque. While we were getting aboard the
Flavio Henry Elliott of the Fountain Riflemen fell through the hatchway
and was so badly injured that he died the next day. He was an upright
citizen and a temperate man. The passage at the foot of the stairs being
dark was the cause of this misstep.

We had a lucky trip on the Flavio, considering the great disadvan
tages we labored under. Our fare was too rough for soldier boys who had
always been well fed. We had a kind of stuff called smoked meat that was
sides of hog, half liquid and half solid. WThenever a piece was picked up
you could see something ooze out that resembled lard oil. 1 never learned
who purchased it, but it was taken on the boat at New Albany. I de
stroyed about a sixth of a ration a day while we were crossing the gulf.
The pilot bread was of an inferior kind. We had sugar and coffee, but
only had two fires for five companies to cook by. Our accommodations for
sleeping were still worse. The place below was so much crowded with
freight that but little room was left to lie down, and those who were so
fortunate as to find a place to lay their heads were nearly suffocated. The
best chance to sleep was upon the upper deck, as it was much more com
fortable to be stepped on a few times than to be nearly suffocated all
night. One night I had some difficulty in finding a lodging place, but acci
dentally observed a vacant spot on the anchor chain and took possession of
it as quickly as a toad would catch a fly. Four hours sleeping of this kind
was enough for me. I would have been glad to exchange my bed for a
Yankee stone wall and give a little boot. However, the good people of
Indiana will be happy to learn that their officers were well fed. They
slept in the cabin and lived on raisin pudding, chicken fixins, beef, pork,
Irish potatoes and other luxuries. As half a loaf is better than none, it
must follow as an inevitable consequence that it was better to feed a
portion of the volunteers (the officers) than none, and we have reason to
rejoice that some of the volunteers received good treatment and fared
sumptuously every day. The Flavio cast anchor off of Brazos Santiago,
Texas, on the 21st, and we were taken ashore on a steamboat the next day.
The Sophia WTalker came in on the 12th and the troops got ashore the
day after. Colonel Drake came on the Sophia Walker, but he used the
utmost exertions to get us off the Flavio. As the ship was much higher
than the steamboat, we had to go down upon the outside of the ship and
jump on to the steamboat. As it was considered hazardous by some, Colo
nel Drake stood at the side of the steamboat and took every man by the
hand and helped him from the ship to the boat. Lieutenant-Colonel Nave
performed the herculean task of helping his own saddle off the ship. We

were all glad to get upon land. A number of us had been seasick and
could not eat the kind of provisions we had on ship. The captain of the
ship was a great aristocrat, but the mates and sailors were whole-souled
fellows and gave the soldiers all the liberties in getting- places to sleep
that they dared. One of the sailors made a place for me to sleep in his
cabin when I was sick. Some others gave some of their allowance of pro
visions at times when I most needed something fit to eat. We soon pitched
our tents when we got ashore and felt like new creatures. After fixing
the sick as comfortably as we could, we commenced drawing our rations
for four days. We drew pickled i>ork, beef, coffee, beans, etc. We cooked,
ate and began to feel as though a new era was about to dawn upon us.

On the 25th of July Henry Updike of the Fountain Riflemen died of
measles. He was first taken on the ship and suffered them to strike in.
There are but few sick at this time, and they are all on the mend. From
what I can learn there are not as many sick in our regiment at this time
as there were when we left New Albany.

Two companies of the First Regiment from Indiana, the Wabash
Rangers and Montgomery Volunteers, are not yet on the ground. They
were drifted upon a sand bank about twelve miles from here, near the
island of De Padre. Part of the Second and Third Regiments from Indi
ana are at anchor and going ashore as fast as possible. All the soldier
boys will be here in a few days, and all that I have seen appeared to stand
the trip and hardships much better than I could possibly expect.

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE.

Bmokville American, August 21, 1846.

The following is an extract from a letter from a member of the com
pany of Dearborn County Volunteers concerning whose safety there was
considerable anxiety felt at this place for a few days on account of their
long voyage. It was feared that they had been lost, but they are all safe
and all well, as will be seen by the following :

BRAZOS SANTIAGO, July 28.

We all left New Orleans on the 17th. After eleven days' rough sail
we landed here, and a great sail we had of it. Imagine two hundred men
stowed away in a small brig with a 4^-foot hold; all her crew with two
hundred volunteers to sleep in that hold warm nights and sometimes a
heavy sea ; the hatches all down, without a window or an air hole ; to
live on coffee, slop fed food, meat and dry crackers; half the men seasick
and spewing all about you ; sometimes you would find yourself eating and
some one close by would let slip right on your dinner and your clothes;
and then you will imagine how pleasant our trip wras from New Orleans
to this place.

Our captain said he would make the trip in three days, but the wind
was unfavorable and we made a long trip of it. The rest of the regiment
left at the same time we did, but they beat us in five days. One of the
ships saw us in a gale by which we lost our topgallant sail, but no serious
damage was done ; and being out a good while, they thought we were lost,

and I understand that Dr. J. G. Dunn wrote home to that effect, which I
fear will make a good many anxious. There are about ten thousand men
encamped here, some dying every day with measles, and some with fever.
The Indiana troops have lost eight or ten since they left New Albany, but
none of the Dearborn Volunteers has died. We have been organized into
a rifle company and drew our rifles today. I expect we will have a hard
time of it, but we are all in good spirits. F. M. G.

Indiana Democrat, August 21, 1846.

The Cincinnati Commercial says : "A company of mounted riflemen
raised under the new law of Congress, left here for the north of Indiana
yesterday, August 13th, commanded by Lieutenant S. S. Tipton."

LETTER FROM COLONEL DRAKE.

Indiana Democrat, August 21, 1846.

IN CAMP, BRAZOS SANTIAGO, July 25, 1846.

We have had six deaths in the regiment since our organization, some
of whom were from diseases which they had previous to their having vol
unteered and some from measles, which continues to prevail in the camp.
One of Captain Evans' company from Fountain died this morning. * * *
I take a bath in the surf once or twice every day. It is almost the only
luxury we have here. Occasionally there is a few melons brought here
from Georgia, very fine indeed, but are sold at enormous prices, say 50
cents for a small one. Everything is high. Flour, 10 cents a pound ;
bacon, 20 cents a pound.

The enclosed leaves are taken from the grave of Major Ringgold, who
is interred at Point Isabel, without the fortification. His grave is hand
somely enclosed with an iron railing in good taste.

We used to have, when at home, a prejudice in favor of shaving, but
it is discontinued by common consent here.

ARMY NEWS.

Indiana Sentinel, August 22, 1846.

MESSRS. EDITORS : — As our people feel interested in every item of news
from the army, I would state that this day, August 18, I received an
election return from the Second Regiment, held at Brazos Santiago, Texas,
on the 31st ultimo. This election was holden to fill a vacancy occasioned
by the promotion of Colonel Joseph Lane to the command of the Indiana
Brigade. Captain William A. Bowles of the Hoosier Boys was ejected to
fill said vacancy and is now commandant of the Second Regiment, Indiana
Volunteers. Our young friend T. B. Kinder, formerly of our city, was
almost unanimously elected captain of the Hoosier Boys. Hurrah for
Truss! W. S. Spicely. formerly second lieutenant, is elected first lieuten
ant; John Gullett, former additional second lieutenant, is now second lieu-

tenant, and David S. Lewis is additional second lieutenant. The commis
sions were procured and mailed within a few hours from the receipt of
the returns. Not a word was said about the condition or destination of
our troops. Our brigade is now fully officered.

DAVID REYNOLDS,

Adjutant-General.

A PRIVATE LETTER FROM CAPTAIN KINDER.

Indiana Sentinel, August 22, 1846.

BRAZOS SANTIAGO. July 30, 1840.

DEAR FATHER — In accordance with my promise in my letter from New
Orleans I write to let you know my whereabouts. We arrived here on the
20th iust. and found everything quite agreeable. I have been quite well,
except four days' seasickness. I was very seasick. Since on land we have
already commenced picking up and the climate agrees with us all very well.
There is no epidemic prevailing. The measles are in camp and some few
deaths, but not more, according to the number, than there was at home.
This island is five miles from Point Isabel and is a beautiful country. We
were six days in coming from New Orleans to this point. We shall re
main here ten or fifteen days, then we shall move up to Barita, fifteen
miles from here and ten miles from Point Isabel. This point is thirty
miles from Matamoros.

The Indianapolis boys are generally well. I saw John Dunlap and one
of the other boys today and they were fine and fat. You will please write.
Direct your letter to me at Point Isabel. Texas, Second Regiment, Indiana
Volunteers, and I shall be certain to get it. Recollect me to my friends
and inform them all that I am well and well satisfied, and that should
there be a fight, Indiana will give a good account of herself. So for the
present goodbye. I remain,

Yours affectionately,

T. B. KINDER.

CAPTAIN BOWLES ELECTED COLONEL OF
SECOND.

Indiana Democrat, August 28, 1846.

We learn from the army that Captain W. A. Bowles has been elected
colonel of the Second Regiment to fill the vacancy occasioned by the pro
motion of Colonel Joseph Lane. Lieutenant T. B. Kinder was chosen cap
tain in the room of Captain Bowles.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN J. McDOUGAL.

Indiana Democrat, August 28, 1846.

I should have written you before this as I promised, but I have been
so incessantly engaged with the duties of my company that I have not
had a moment to claim for myself. I only find time now from being too

unwell for outdoor duty. We arrived here a week since and all the Indi
ana regiments are encamped here except the Crawfordsville and Wabash
Ikmgers, who were wrecked on Tuesday night last. They are encamped
on some beach twelve or fourteen miles below this and will be up the last
of this week. General Lane, Colonel Drake and Major Lane left this
morning for Matamoros to try to have us moved from this place at the
earliest moment.

The diarrhoea and measles are ungearing the whole of us from mili
tary duty. In fact, some of the companies of Kentucky troops have not
well men enough to attend to the sick. This is all attributable to the
water, which is slightly impregnated with salt. This island, otherwise,
is one of the most beautiful spots I have ever visited. There is constantly,
night and day, a strong sea breeze passing over us and we have felt the
heat much less than in Indiana. There are some six or eight regiments
from the States encamped here. One regiment usually leaves every day
for Barita, but I understand there is some dilticulty in the way of getting
supplies of provisions there, which will interrupt this arrangement for a
few days. We have any number and all kinds of shops and hucksters and
gambling houses. It would amuse you to see the prices they ask here for
the stores and liquors. Ice water, 12 % cents per glass; ice, 30 cents per
pound; 5 cents per sheet for foolscap paper; 10 cents per pound for flour;
tobacco, $1.50 per pound; bacon. 20 cents i>er pound; tin cups, 25 cents;
other articles in proportion. Our company, having been somewhat strapped,
have not suffered from them as they would have done were they in a more
healthy condition in their finances.

Those troops at Barita and Matamoros are moving up to Camargo.
The light and heavy artillery started up last night. Camargo is a place of
rendezvous on the Rio Grande from where the army will move to Mata
moros, a distance of 180 miles from Camargo. My quarters are near the
burial ground and the dead inarch is constantly ringing in my ears. Seven
deaths yesterday, the same number today. A bearer awaits this. With
kind regards to all.

LETTER FROM COLONEL J. P. DRAKE.

Indiana Democrat, Auyust 28, 18.^6.

STEAMBOAT MERCER, MEXICO, July 30, 184G.

I am on my way from Matamoros to Brazos Island, where I left the
troops on the day before yesterday. I am in the company of General Lane
and Major Lane. We went up by land. I drowned the horse of Dr.
Walker trying to swim this river. WTe expect to move our camp ground
in a few days near to Barita. I am not pleased with our new camp
ground. We shall be about a mile from the river, which is our only chance
for water, and we have no wood except chaparral, which consists of many
thorny bushes. We had an interview with General Taylor this morning.
He refuses to let us move higher up the river for the present. I expect
we shall remain here until September. General Taylor says he will leave
one of the Indiana regiments in this vicinity to protect his rear. All will
dislike to be left. All appear to desire to be in the first rank and in the

first battle. I have kept ahead up to this time and I would dislike to be
left. I hope it will not fall to niy lot, but to that portion of the troops who
may have the first and hardest fighting.

The troops are suffering from measles and diarrhoea. We have had no
deaths in the Marion Volunteers, though many have the measles.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— Xo. 4.

Indiana Sentinel, August 29, 1846.

On the 27th of July a great number of the Second and Third Regi
ments of the Indiana Volunteers' succeeded in getting off the ships and
landing at Brazos Santiago. It was with pleasure that we learned that
most of the companies had good luck and lost only a few in crossing the
gulf, but it was with pain that we heard that four of the Brown County
soldiers died with measles. They were strong, robust men. men whose
bravery could not be Questioned.

Robinson C. Jones and Abram G. Snyder of the Fountain Riflemen got
their discharge on account of their bad health. The surgeon certified that
they were unable to do military duty in this campaign. They will return
home in a few days. If their health had not been so rapidly declining
they would have delighted to stand by us even in our greatest peril. It is
hoped that the ravages of disease may be stayed and that we may again
have the pleasure of taking our two friends by the hand. A soldier in the
Hendricks County Volunteers was buried on the 30th. He had consumption
before he left home.

On the^d of August we left the mouth of the Rio 'Grande, marched
up the river and encamped nearly opposite Barita. Our encampment is in
a thicket of mesquite bushes, about one mile from the river. Regiments
from Ohio, Mississippi, Georgia and other States are encamped here, and
if we all remain here long wood will be scarce. We carry all the water
we use from the river, and in doing this have to pass a muddy bottom that
overflows part of the year. It is hard work, but we have stout hearts and,
like true philosophers, thank our stars that it is not worse. We are not
the boys to complain of the works of Nature.

LETTER FROM JOHX M. MYERS.

Brookville American, September 4, 1846.

POIXT ISABEL, July 28, 184G.
Mr. Clarkson :

DEAR SIR — * * * xhe health of our regiment has been tolerably
good and the health of our company has been quite good. We have lost
but nine in the Third Regiment since our departure from Indiana. One
died on the boat on the river, one was drowned and six died on the gulf.
Those who died on the gulf were Jesse McMahan. Lewis Moore, Shadrach
Arnot. all of whom were members of the Shelby ville company: and Reece
Brurninot from Brown County. The other names I could not learn or I

would give ihem. Those who died on hoard of ship were sowed up in their
hlankets and cast overhoard as a prey to the fish. When the first one was
thrown into the deep I sat on the side of the ship and wondered to myself
if any of the volunteers from Old Franklin would find a resting place amid
the blue waters of the gulf, but I am happy to say that none of our boys
are missing. They are all here, and most of them sound and hearty. An
drew Berry and John B. Gilmore are not well, but are not dangerous.
Robert Harper, Willis Moore and several others were quite sick, but have
recovered. Those who are still here from Old Franklin are William M.
McCarty, J. C. Burton, Robert Harper, Willis Moore, Thomas V. Kimball,
Peter Hedrick, Andrew Berry, Orville Dyer, Henry H. Green, R. W. Lane,
T. F. Rariden, William Landfair, J. B. Gilmore, J. C. Wilkinson, John
Hudson, Henry Smith, Alexander Eads, John Miller, J. M. Conrad, Lewis
Fetterman and John M. Myers, who all send their compliments to your
Honor and their friends.

THE SUTLERS.

Indiana Democrat. September .'/, 18>/6.

Almost every letter from the volunteers complains of the unmerciful
exactions practiced upon them by the sutlers. It is shameful. Many arti
cles of bulk and weight will unavoidably be high, but how they could have
the face to charge 10 cents per sheet for letter paper, an article of small
weight and no risk, is what we do not exactly see into. A ream of paper
costs $3 and when retailed at 10 cents per sheet brings $48. We take this
as a single instance. Other articles are sold in proportion. The Govern
ment has the credit of providing for the wants of her soldiers, and it
ought to do it, and not allow them to be subject to such outrageous ex
tortion.

LETTER FROM HENRY S. LANE.

Brook i'il I e American, September .), J<S.'/6'.

We find the following letter from Major Lane in the Crawfordsville
People's Press:

BRAZOS, July 24th.

At length I am in Mexico, six miles south of Point Isabel. On the
18th inst. I left Balize in command of Captain Wilson's and Captain Pow
ers' companies on board the barque Kazam. We encountered storms and
head winds for three days and nights and suffered all the horrors of sea
sickness. On the morning of the 22d inst., about 4 o'clock, our ship, in
the midst of a violent storm, ran upon a bank one mile from shore.

The captain declared that every man on board would go to the bot
tom in five minutes, and so we all thought. I never saw more firmness
than was displayed by the boys. Their conduct was above all praise. But
I must not neglect to name, as an act of justice to them. Captain Powers,
Lieutenant May. Lieutenant Wood. Lieutenant Hanks. Harvey and Gauze.
Their conduct was noble indeed; but perhaps I should mention none where

all distinguished themselves. Although a violent surf was running, we
safely reached the shore in the long boat, which made several trips for
that purpose.

We lost some of our provisions and camp equipage. Our boys are all
well, although the measles prevails in the camp. Tell their fathers, moth
ers, brothers, sisters and wives so.

Two companies are yet twelve miles from this place, encamped where
they were wrecked. They will come down to this place in a few days.

DEPARTURE OF THE U. S. RIFLEMEN.

Indiana Sentinel, September 9, 1846.

On Tuesday morning the troops enlisted by Lieutenant Van Buren for
the mounted rifle service in the United States Army for five years left our
city for Newport. Kentucky, thence to Jefferson Barracks. Missouri. They
numbered about sixty, but on the morning of departure it became neces
sary for the Lieutenant, owing to the curious decisions of some and annoy
ance of others, to reject five of as likely looking men as the army could
boast. With tears in their eyes they took leave of their late comrades and
one even begged to be retained in the Lieutenant's service personally, and
offered to pay his own expenses so that he might not be separated from
those with whom he supposed he had cast his lot for years. Their re
grets at not being able to leave with their comrades were fully appreciated
by the vast concourse present who witnessed their departure.

The squad was formed in the morning and was addressed by Gov
ernor Whitcomb. previous to taking up its line of march, in a very im
pressive manner. Many of the brave hearts, who an hour previous were
joyous at the prospect of removal from their confined quarters and anxious
to be on regular duty, whether to fight or work, were so affected that the
manly tear unbiddingly showed itself until it became infectious, and when
through absolute disability the Governor closed, no chance for a formal
response was given, but up went an instantaneous cheer, and that of a
kind to relieve the suppressed feelings of all.

The soldiers then bade each adieu to their friends and left. We have
only time to tender them all our best wishes for their prosperity and
safety. Knowing as we do many of them personally, we shall keep a
watchful eye on their peculiar service, and when in our power they shall
be sure to hear from us. God be with them all.

DEATHS OX THE GULF.

Indiana Sentinel, September 9, 1846.

Among the volunteers from this neighborhood of whose decease we
have heard are the following, who died on the gulf: Jesse McMahan,
Lewis Moore. Shadrach Arnot, members of the Shelbyville company, and
Reece Brimimot of Brown County.

00
CAMP LIFE.

lirooJcriJJe American, September 11, 181$,

CAMP BELKNAP, August 12, 1840.

FRIEND CLARKSON — Inasmuch as we are apparently located for some
time, I thought I might as well drop you a few lines to let you know what
is going on, hoping you will return the favor.

* * * Our labor consists of the morning drill for officers at 5
o'clock, including sergeants and corporals. At 7 o'clock a company drill of
two hours ; at 5 o'clock a regimental drill of two hours ; besides which
there, is water to be carried, ground to be cleared and other things too
tedious to mention. This the men are bound to do, and if there be but few
to do it it is so much harder for those who have it to do. Some companies
have a large number of sick, while others have but few. Our company
has been quite fortunate in this respect. We have lost but one man, whose
name was Thomas Batty, from Bartholomew County. Our sick list num
bers fifteen or eighteen, and I think nearly all will soon recover. Some,
however, I fear, will never return. For my own part I have had my health
very well ever since my departure from home and I think I am as well
satisfied as though I had remained there, and so are all the other boys
from Franklin.

Our camp lies twenty-one miles below the city, but I think I can get
to go there in a few days. Lieutenant Herrington of Columbus, Indiana,
and myself visited Barita on yesterday, and I was astonished when I en
tered the place. There are some thirty huts in it and but few occupied by
Mexicans. They have left for more comfortable quarters. The houses re
semble our one-story pig pens in Indiana, but are not half so substantial.
It is a poor, miserable, little, patched-up place. Our orders are to stay
here two months at least, so rumor says. It may not be true. I hope not,
for I want to go up the river or into Mexico.

ANOTHER LETTER FROM COLONEL DRAKE.

Indiana Democrat, September 11, ISJfG.

CAMP BARITA, August 5, 1846.

Our regiment has been in a state of turmoil for the last forty-eight
hours. We arrived at this encampment on Sunday, the 2d inst., as did
also all the Indiana volunteers, expecting to remain a few weeks and then
receive marching orders for Camargo and Monterey. Last night Colonel
Kelknap, Inspector-General, called at my quarters and informed me that
General Taylor had ordered that my regiment should countermarch to the
mouth of the Rio Grande and take charge of that post as a protection to
his rear and supplies. This order appeared to disappoint their hopes of
being in the first engagement. Many of the officers seemed almost re
solved to resign rather than be kept in the background, although Colonel
Belknap gave me positive assurance that when the troops were called into
active service my regiment should not be overlooked. I take the ground

that you would expect of me, that whatever post or duty may be assigned
me I will be found endeavoring to carry out the orders of the commander.
* * * The command of the post is assigned to me. All the transports
for the army pass that point (Point Isabel) and are reshipped here. The
Indiana volunteers have suffered very much from the measles and diar
rhoea. The former disease has caused most of the deaths that have oc
curred since we left New Albany. None of the Marion Volunteers have
yet died. Three of them are so much indisiK>sed that they will be dis
charged and sent home. Captain McDougal and Lieutenants Campbell and
Howard are complaining, but are not dangerous. Major Lane has been
quite indisposed for several days, but is now much better.

August llth.

This will be handed to you by Lieutenant N. N. Campbell, who will
leave here in the morning for Indianapolis. He has been quite sick ever
since he arrived here and has got a furlough to go home and see if it will
not restore his health.

I have had but few deaths in my regiment yet. The sick list, by this
morning's report, is alarming, amounting to over one hundred men. Most
of the cases are diarrhoea and yield to medical treatment.

The Inspector-General, Colonel Belkuap, who left here on yesterday,
says that the Illinois, Missouri and Indiana troops will remain here until
the last of September. That the Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee
and Mississippi will remain at Camargo during that period, with the ex
ception of one regiment at Matamoros. By that time the sickly season
will have gone by, and the troops will be better disciplined, and if peace
is not concluded the army will be ready for invasion.

J. P. DRAKE.

LETTER FROM C. C. SMITH.

Indiana Democrat, September 11, 1846.

BANKS OF THE Rio GRANDE, August 3, 1846.

One of Captain Wilson's company died last night and was buried this
morning. A thousand rumors are in circulation about our destination.
Mnny think we will go to Mexico, many others think we will go home, but
we know about as much about it ourselves as the man in the moon. The
rainy season has just commenced and we will have it now for three or
four months hard and fast. The volunteers are encamped along the banks
for ten miles. Our town boys, Anderson, Reck, Dunlap, Young and T. M.
Smith. Jr., are all well.

Tuesday Evening, August 4th.

We have just received orders and the First Regiment is to go back
to the mouth of the Rio Grande and stay there and guard prisoners, which
is very mortifying to us all and must be particularly so to our gallant
Colonel, as he is anxious to see service, if there is any such thing on the
carpet.

Editor's Comment.

Since the above was received we learn that Charles C. Smith, Esq.,
of this place, has been elected first lieutenant in place of X. X. Campbell,
who resigned on account of ill health.

Indiana Democrat, September 11,

Lieutenalit Van Buren marched fifty-seven recruits from this station
on Tuesday morning last. Their present destination is Newport, Kentucky,
thence to Jefferson Barracks, to be drilled preparatory to the contemplated
California expedition.

RELIEF FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel, September 12,

The subject of how will volunteers who own property pay their taxes
has presented itself to our mind and we have concluded to demand of the
Legislature of this State and as many of our brethren of the press as will
join us a relief law in behalf of our patriotic citizens who are in the serv
ice of our country.

We are well apprised of the fact that there are some six or eight fam
ilies in this neighborhood whose heads are in the army, who will be con
siderably bothered (if they are able to do so at all) to raise their taxes,
although it may be a small sum, and, too, there are a number of young
men in their country's service who have taxes to pay that ought to be re
mitted during their absence as volunteers in the army. All. or nearly all,
have assessed against them a poll tax, which, we think, above all things.
should be remitted. Would it not be ridiculous to return such men as de
linquent as are willing to pour out their heart's blood, which is certain to
be done if some such measure as we have spoken of is not passed. The
present revenue law imposes heavy interest or penalty on such as fail to
discharge their taxes by a fixed time. Is it right that the class for which
we demand relief should pay an indemnity for being absent on such busi
ness as they are? It is certain that they will not return to Indiana until
some time in the spring, and they will not be here to pay their taxes until
damages are assessed. Again, we know of some who own real estate and
failed to pay taxes on it last year; it is advertised as delinquent and will
be sold in January, 1847, for taxes. Does it not, we ask, look like it would
be right to extend the time for the payment of such taxes until January,
1848? We think it does, and have good reason to believe we are not alone.
— Indiana Globe.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 5.

Indiana Sentinel, September 12, 1M/6.

The First Regiment is still at Camp Barita, on the north side of the
Rio Grande. The sick are gaining strength and most of them are likely
to recover. One of the Wabash Rangers was buried on the 3d of August.
On the 4th a man was seen dead floating down the Rio Grande. He was
brought to shore and a thimble was found in his pocket, but no papers or
anything by which a clew could be got to his name. * * * One of the

Putnarn Blues died on the 9th of August. Mr. John Garhart, of the Wa-
bash Inviucibles, died on the 12th. He was a brave young man and an
ardent friend of the institutions of his country. He had a father and
brother belonging to the same company. His father was- 'one of the first
settlers in Richardville County. To belong to as gallant a company as the
Wabash Invincibles. to be commanded by an officer as worthy as Captain
Milroy, would be an honor that any lover of his country would be proud
of, but to have this honor and belong to a family that was willing to turn
out en masse and fight the enemy when the rights of the nation were at
stake, would be an honor worthy the heroes of the revolution. So long as
I hear the name of Rio Grande echo upon my ear, so long as I am re
minded of the scenery now before me, so long as I think of our country,
its stars and stripes, just so long will I cherish in my mind the memory
of the young man who was this day interred.

I have just ascertained the number of deaths in our regiment (the
First) since its organization, as follows: Fountain Riflemen, two; Wa
bash Rangers, two; Marion Volunteers, none; Montgomery Volunteers,
one; Mad Anthony Guards, none; Hendricks Volunteers, four; Wayne
Guards, two ; Case Volunteers, none ; Putnam Blues, one ; Wabash In-
vincibles, one; total, thirteen. It seems to me that this is a small num
ber in comparison with the number in the regiment, when we take into
consideration the change of climate, diet, etc. It is very frequently the
case that there are more deaths out of the same number of people when
they are at home enjoying the comforts of life. It may be proper to re
mark that about half of the deaths were owing to the measles. Those who
have recovered from the measles are very weak and do not regain their
strength as fast as they would at home. There is one man in the Foun
tain Riflemen who cannot be praised too highly. I mean Joseph Longniire.
He has paid great attention to the sick, not only in his own company, but
in other companies. He has lost many hours of sleep to relieve the dis
tress and is justly entitled to the gratitude of the whole company. If he
is not rewarded in this world I hope he will be in the next. Lieutenant
McManomy of the same company has also been very attentive to the sick.
Here is the place for a close observer to see who obeys the scriptural in
junction, "Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself."

LETTER FROM J. P. S.

Madison Courier, September 12, 1846.

ENCAMPED OPPOSITE BARRISTA, August 11, 1846.

Our health keeps tolerably fair; there is on an average about one
death per day in our brigade. As yet we have lost but one of our com
pany, a young man of the name of Samuel Brown, from the country. Sev
eral of our company are about to get an honorable discharge on account
of their health, but I think they are more homesick than anything else. I
keep pretty well except now and then a slight affection of the bowels.
Major Gorman has just come into our tent and tells us that he has hired
carts to haul our water. This is good news, for we would rather work.

94
A GENEROUS MAN.

Indiana Sentinel, September 12, 1846.

The Cincinnati Commercial states that Captain John Patterson of Bel-
inont Comity, Ohio, got sick and had to remain at New Orleans and let the
Ohio Volunteers go on. When he got able to travel he took passage with
some Indiana troops in a small vessel. The craft was cast ashore on Padre
Island. All expected to be lost, as they had nothing but a small boat to go
on shore with. The boat was lowered, but they could take but a few in,
and even they were in a dangerous situation. Patterson was getting into
the boat when one of the captains of the Indiana companies addressed him
thus : "Captain, if yon get on shore safe will you inform my family of my
death and how it came about?" Patterson immediately asked him if he
had a family and he replied he had. Patterson told him he was a single
man and immediately got out of the boat and made the Indiana captain
take his place, remarking that he would stay and sink with the vessel, as
he had no wife and children to mourn his loss. Fortunately, however, the
storm abated ; they raised a tlag of distress ; a revenue cutter went to
their aid and all were saved. It was an act on the part of the Ohioan
that should be remembered, for few, very few, would do as the gallant
captain did.

DROWNED.

We this week, for the first time, have to announce the melancholy
news of the death of one of the Marion County Volunteers. The following
extract from a letter of Lieutenant C. C. Smith gives the particulars :

Rio GRANDE, August 18, 1840.

I have news, very bad news, for some of my friends. Some eight or
ten of our boys went over to the river for the purpose of hunting, fishing,
etc. About dinner time two or three of them came on the opposite bank
with a very large jack they had caught, and sent word across for help to
bring him over. William Colescott and Luther M. Reck started to swim
across. The river, as I have told you before, is very rapid, much more so
than the Mississippi. When about midway of the stream Reck called out
for help. The boys on the opposite side did not hear for some time, and
on this side we had no boat, but as soon as the boys understood what was
the matter they jumped into the boat and put out after him. He swam
finely, but every once in a while looking back to see if the boat was com
ing. The boat is a common flat bottom, without oars, and in so swift a
stream almost unmanageable. Before it could get within a hundred yards
of him he was drowned. Colescott succeeded in landing about half a mile
below. This is the first man we have lost and he was one universally be
loved, both by the officers and men, and the downcast appearance of the
men gives evidence of their heartfelt sorrow, and we all mourn his un
timely fate. Every exertion in our power was made to save him, but in
vain.

95
LIEUT. VAN BUEEN'S RECRUITS.

Indiana Sentinel, September 23, 1846.

A very high compliment was paid by the commanding- major at New
port to our fellow citizens enlisted by Lieutenant Van Buren, for they were
said to be the best looking and best behaved of any which had arrived, and
so well pleased was the Lieutenant with this specimen of Hoosierdom that
the Lieutenant was immediately ordered to return and enlist a few more
of the same sort. Lieutenant Van Buren will open his rendezvous at La
fayette, where, no doubt, he will soon fill another company for the same
delightful service.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN McDOUGAL.

Indiana Democrat, September 25, 1846.

MOUTH OF THE Rio GRANDE, September 6, 1846.

The war is now considered at an end, but we shall have to remain here
until the treaty of peace is ratified by the Mexican Congress. If every
thing goes on with any degree of promptitude, we will be able to leave here
by the 1st of May next. We are pleasantly situated and in a few days,
when our sutler goods arrive, will have everything in the way of delicacies
for convalescents. All oificers, both of the regular and volunteer corps, say
that our situation is the most healthy and pleasant of any in the service.
We have a steamboat running daily between the mouth and Brazos Santi
ago. Captain Lewis of Fort Wayne and myself have employed a very good
physician to attend to our companies. We have still a good many sick.
Two or three of them who are in the hospital at Point Isabel, the sur
geon says, cannot live more than a day or two. Leonard WTood, who is
there, is quite sick, and the doctor is undetermined as to the result of his
case. Those whom the doctor thinks cannot live are John Johnson, Jerome
Lutz and probably Wood. I have some nine lying there and five at Mata-
moros.

Mr. Morrison is at Matarnoros. We expect him down today. Colonel
Drake and all the officers are in good health. Major Comstock of Madison
is keeping store in Matamoros.

There was quite a fight at the camp below Barita a few days since
between two companies of Georgia volunteers. Colonel Baker of one of
the Illinois regiments went to the boat where the fight was to quell them.
He had one of his companies with him and in the engagement was shot
through the neck, the ball coming out of his mouth. There were some four
or five left dead on the spot and a great many bayoneted and run in the
river. The killed are supposed to be from fifteen to thirty and those
wounded by bayonets and swords much larger in number. The Georgians
were all chained and taken to Matamoros to await their trial.

96
CAPTAIN SIMONSON.

Indiana Sentinel, September 30, 1846.

We are informed that our old friend, Captain Simonson, has now en
listed seventy recruits, sixty-six of whom are now at Jefferson Barracks.
He is still recruiting for the regiment, his own company being full and
twenty-four over, including thirty enlisted by Lieutenant Taylor. Indiana
will be well and ably represented in this new regiment in officers and men
also. Success to them, say we.

. LETTER FROM CAPTAIN KINDER.

I inliiiiia Sentinel, September 30. 1846.

CAMP BELKNAP, NEAR BABITA, MEXICO, August 19, 1840.

EDITOR PAOLI PATBIOT — We were no sooner in camp and finally settled,
than I was served with a notice that I was appointed Regimental Judge
Advocate for our regiment. Today the brigade's court-martial was organ
ized and I am a member. We are now trying five persons of Company K,
Captain Walker's, on the charge of attempting to effect a mutiny in the
camp. Their cases are not yet determined and may not be for some days.
Frequent instances have lately arisen calling for severe punishment. A sol
dier in Company C (Captain Ford's) was treated to a ride on a rail before
the Indiana Brigade for cursing his captain and refusing to obey his orders.
Some severe examples will have to be made before this principle of in
subordination is quelled.

A STORM AT SEA.

\<AV Orleans Delta, XeptCHiber 30, 1846.

The schooner Edward Tillett, says the Galveston News of the 19th,
which left Point Isabel three weeks since for New Orleans with about fifty
volunteers on the sick list from Indiana, Mississippi and Alabama, had
got within about fifty miles of the Balize at the commencement of the late
storm, which struck her with so much violence that she was compelled to
run before it under bare poles, and was driven two miles this side of the
Sabine Pass on Sunday night, the 7th hist., where she remains high and
dry. No lives were lost from the storm, though six of the volunteers died
after leaving Point Isabel, four at sea and two after the vessel went ashore.
We have been unable to obtain all their names. Among them was a Mr.
Hughes and Mr. Chase, from ifidiana, and Messrs. Davis and Abstauc,
from Mississippi. Captain Payne, U. S. ordnance officer at this post, has
repaired to Sabine Pass with provisions, etc., to relieve them.

97
SICKNESS AMONG THE TROOPS.

Campaign in Mexico, Isaac Reed, First Indiana, September, 1846.

There was considerable sickness among the volunteers in the latter
part of September and in October, no doubt resulting in 'a measure from
the troops having been stationed at Camp Belkuap. when it was necessary
to cross a pond to obtain fresh water. All the lagoons near the month of
the Rio Grande and Camp Belkuap contained salt water, and the only
water fit for use was obtained from the Rio Grande. It is proper, how
ever, to remark that there are some fresh water lakes near Matamoros. A
great number of the volunteers that remained on the Rio Grande died, and
many more were discharged in consequence of being sick and unfit for
duty, the First Indiana Regiment at the Mouth suffering more severely
than any other. Among the number that died was Lieutenant G. F. Goss,
First Regiment, formerly the accomplished teacher of the Female Seminary
at Crawfordsville ; Captain Robert Mitchell, assistant quartermaster, Sec
ond Regiment, and many other men of great moral worth.

Time dragged along slowly, and everything to sadden and nothing to
cheer. Grim-visaged countenances reminded us of the decay of nature and
the sudden transition from health and vigor to wrecked humanity — the
parching fever and feeble step too plainly admonished us that many graves
were yawning beneath — as the dead march cast a constant gloom upon our
meditations.

In the early part of October, the Third Indiana Regiment was ordered
to Matamoros, two companies of which were afterwards stationed at
Reynosa.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 6.

Indiana Sentinel, October 10, 18^6.

On the 13th of August we were compelled to part with Lieutenant
Campbell of the Marion Volunteers. He was esteemed by all who knew
him and we regret that his health was impaired and his system so much
reduced that he found it necessary to apply for a discharge, which was
promptly given. * * * James Lucky of the Mad Anthony Guards died
on the 10th. Isaac Harbert of the Fountain Riflemen died on the 18th.
Luther Reck of the Marion Volunteers was drowned on the same day in
attempting to swim the Rio Grande. Daniel Iseley of the Wabash In-
viucibles died on the 21st. * * *

On the 22d I took my gun and started for the north, to see what
chance for game there was in Texas. * * * After having a long shot
with the Tennesseeaus, I hastened back to our camp and regretted to learn
that Henry Cartright of the Marion Volunteers had breathed his last. On
the 23d a rencontre took place between Buck McKinuey of the Bartholo
mew County Company and an Alabamian, in which the latter was badly
cut. Both of them are said to be fighting characters, but I never took the
trouble to inquire which was the most to blame. * * * Mr. Poff of
the Wabash Invincibles and Oliver Browning of the Mad Anthony Guards,
died on the 25th. On the 29th we had a very heavy rain at night. The
water ran under some tents and wet all the blankets. The next morning

7-18750

I went to the hospital and beheld a gloomy spectacle. There were sick
persons lying about with mud all around thorn and the ground on which
they lay very damp, but fortunately the sun shone out very brightly and
soon dried up the mud and the sick did not appear to suffer 'or take cold
from the rain. There is now only six regiments in this camp, three from
Indiana, two from Illinois and one from Tennessee. The other regiments
that were encamped here have moved up the Rio Grande.

A CHANCE FOR THE VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel, October JO, 18't6.

It is reported that the general government contemplates calling into
immediate action that part of the 50,000 volunteers from the northern
states enrolled during the summer and not yet mustered into service. They
will be despatched to Tampico as soon as the cold season sets in, about the
end of the present month.

LETTER FROM MR. MORRISON.

Indiana Democrat, Octoler 16, 1846.

BRAZOS SANTIAGO, September 10, 1,846.

Being on business at this point, and finding the government steamer
Telegraph about to leave for New Orleans, I avail myself of the oppor
tunity of dropping you a line. The First Indiana Regiment, under Colonel
Drake, are in command at the mouth of the Rio Grande, which is consid
ered one of the most pleasant posts on the river. The Second and Third
Regiments, under Colonels J. H. Lane and Wm. A. Bowles, are encamped
at Camp Belknap, about nine miles by land and sixteen by water above the
mouth of the Rio Grande, near Barita, at which place General Lane has
his headquarters.

Many of the sick are being discharged and sent home. In fact, all are
discharged whom the surgeon shall advise to be discharged, and I think
quite a number will appeal to the surgeon as the most easy way to accom
plish their desire to return home. I have examined the returns of the
surgeons and think the sickness is abating considerably. A few weeks will,
by the effect of the autumnal weather, do much to improve the health of
the camp.

I believe I forgot to mention that C. C. Smith has been elected First
Lieutenant in Captain McDougal's company, in place of Lieutenant Camp
bell, who returned home on account of sickness. Lieutenant Smith is in
fin.? health and is in good standing with the regiment and his company.

September 30, 3 o'clock p. m.

The mail, since I wrote the foregoing, has just been forwarded by ex
press from Cainargo by the way of Matamoros to Point Isabel, thence
here. I have just seen a letter from Captain Hardee, dated at Matamoros
last night, which says that the spies of General Taylor have just -met him

and reported that a large Mexican force, amounting at present to at least
(1,000, is embodying at Monterey, determined to give him battle if General
Taylor advances towards or to the city of Monterey. The letter of Captain
Hnrdee is authentic. The news is received here as true. •

GOT OFF EASY/

Indiana Democrat, October 16, 1846.

Many of the papers of this state have published a statement that the
mnn who stabbed Lieutenant Parcel at Camp Whitcomb had been sentenced
and shot. This is a mistake. We have it from a reliable source that he
was sentenced to carry water for the use of the volunteers for one year, to
roi-eivo no pay. and then to be drummed out of camp.

Indiana Democrat, October 16, 1846.

We learn from the Shelbyville Reporter that Lieutenant W. W. All-
dridge of Captain Conover's company, died at the encampment of the First
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers on the ninth of September. lie was highly
respected in his county and deservedly popular with his company. We
were slightly acquainted with the deceased and sincerely regret his early
death.

A WARRIOR BOLD.

Holding Green Globe, October 17, 1846

We have, through the kindness of a friend, been permitted to publish
the following letter from Captain John Osborn, under date of Matainoros,
September 12, 1846.

Lncle Oliver,

DEAR SIR — I am here on business and have just learned that General
Taylor has met with resistance at Saltillo, and although we had anticipated
no fight, the probability is that we will have a sight at it. We are sta
tioned twenty-five miles below here in Texas. I am very anxious to have a
chance to try my. spunk. I think I have the grit of '76. You will see
shortly from the pen of D. R. Eckles some of our bravery from Old Clay.
Fourteen men and myself traveled on foot over the state of Tamalipis,
meeting with hundreds of Mexicans. We fired at some and they flew from
before us. We are the only choir of Indiana troops that have yet distin
guished themselves in any scout.

I am here as a part of my business, to get pay for some of the boys
that have got discharged, to wit : John Dalgarn, John Gillespie, Richard
Walker. Jesse Walker. William J. Patton and William L. Thomas, who will
reach you shortly after this letter and will carry the news of the meeting
of the two armies. General Santa Anna is at the head of a large army.
Much excitement in this city for fear of an attack tonight. I have no
fears myself. Our boys, several are sick, though not dangerous.

Yours, JOHN OSBORX.

100
SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 7.

Indiana Mciiiincl, October 2.'i, liV/a.

We left our camp opposite P.arita on the .'list of August for the month
of the Rio Grande and arrived at our place of destination in a few hours.
As the boats landed and we got upon shore, we gazed upon our old camp
ground and observed that it was partly under water. This rendered it
evident that we had to go to the sand hill and pitch our tents. We were
soon on the desert spot and put up our tents in a hurry. It was about as
rough as any spot you ever saw. Mr. Reynolds of the Mad Anthony
Guards died on the first of September. He was wealthy and offered to
pay almost any amount of money if he could be cured. Richard Bell of
the Wabash Invincibles died on the 5th. On the Oth we heard of the
death of Ray of the Montgomery Volunteers, and Johnson and Lutes of
the Marion Volunteers. They died in the hospital at Point Isabel.

On the llth f Colonel Drake gave orders that the captain should give
each man several rounds of cartridges, so that we could be ready for a
fight at any time. On the 12th. just before tattoo at night, a very athletic
looking man rode through our camp and halted near the northeast corner.
A squad was raised and he was taken prisoner and kept till morning, when
it was found that he was only one of Uncle Sam's men after all. The
Second and Third Regiments from Indiana are still stationed at camp near
Barita. but I suppose the First Regiment will remain here at the mouth
until the volunteers are discharged. In a former sketch I spoke about the
rain and the mud and water about the hospital. Lest there should be cen
sure cast upon some unjustly I would state that our station at that place
was but temporary, and at this post, where our station is more permanent,
bunks are made for the sick and additional means of comfort provided.
The following persons have died in the First Regiment : William Cran-
inore, James Cox. Jackson Lyon of the Fountain Riflemen; Lieutenants
(Joss. Hopper and Bratton, of the Montgomery Volunteers; John Shelly,
of the Hendricks Volunteers: West and McCall, of the Putnam Blues;
Buchanan of the Cass County Volunteers, and Josephus II?uma of the
Marion Volunteers.

LETTER FROM MR. MORRISON.

Indiana Democrat, October 30, 18.>iG.

MOUTH OF THE Rio GRANDE, Sept. 18, 1846.

The health of the Indiana troops is certainly improving very visibly.
In Colonel Drake's regiment no new cases have been reported for several
days, although since I wrote you last there have been several deaths.
Among the number is Lieutenant (Joss of the Montgomery Volunteers, a
very respectable, well-informed and meritorious young man. Also James
Ray, John Bra ton and William V. Hopper, of the same company. In Cap
tain McDougaVs company. John Johnson and Jerome Lutz. John Van
Vlaricum and Josephus Hana are quite sick, and Van Vlaricum is consid
erably better. I have succeeded in procuring for our brigade plenty of
good rations, and some extra rations, with which they are well supplied.
They seem to rejoice much at my arrival, as they had not been well pro-

101

vided for before I reached them. 1 shall not neglect them so long as the
government store-houses contain supplies, and not even then if other mar
kets can furnish supplies.

Within the last week the heat has been very intense, and were it not
for the sea breeze it would be absolutely past endurance. You can imagine
how hot it may be without any shade, not even a bush as high as your
knee, on a sand beach or knoll, in a latitude of 20 degrees and 0 minutes,
being the very extreme southern point of the United States. We exj>ect
cooler weather by the first of October and live in hopes of better times.
No payment has yet been made since the troops left New Albany, but they
have been mustered for payment and will be paid shortly.

LETTER FROM AX OFFICER OF THE THIRD REG
IMENT.

Madison Banner, November 4, 1846.

Within the last two weeks our regiment was removed from Burita up
to Palo Alto (a small stream that empties into the Bravo) about nine miles
below this city. The location was a most beautiful one and if we had en-
cami>ed there during our whole stay in Texas the lives of many valuable
men would have been saved. The ground was perfectly dry and during our
stay there the number of men in the hospital was reduced from 100 to 33.
The hospital is. at present, under the charge of D. K. Davidson. M. D., of
your city, and a member of Captain Sullivan's company, in consequence of
the sickness of our surgeon and his assistant. * * * I regret to in
form you of the death of Lieutenant Gustavus Goss of the First Regiment.
He was a fine fellow, had lived in Madison a long time and made many
friends. His talents were of a high order. His grave is on the banks of
the Rio Bravo. Lieutenant Eller. of the Third Regiment, died a few days
since, and Captain Mitchell, of Lawrence County, died here yesterday. He
was quartermaster of the Second Regiment. Major Henry S. Lane is also
here in bad health. He has been sick constantly since our arrival. He
appears to be recovering. There are about 1,200 sick volunteers in the hos
pitals at this place. VOLUNTEER.

AN UNFOUNDED RUMOR.

Madison Banner, yovcmber 4, 1846.

We are pleased to be able to state that the rumor of Captain Sullivan's
death is unfounded. He has been extremely ill, but he was recovering from
his illness by our latest dates from the army, as the following extract
from a letter from him will show :

-MATAMOROS. September 30, 1840.

My health is improving and I will go back to cam-) this week. My
company is now reduced to fifty-seven privates. There has been a givat
deal of sickness in the regiment. Want of necessaries, even of inedh ines.
has caused a great many deaths. The weather has changed for the better
since the equinox and we hope that new cases of sickness will hereafter be
less frequent."

102
VOLUNTEER DEAD.

Indiana Sentinel, November 4, 1846.

Died, on the morning of November 3, at the residence of Mr. Chris
topher Loueks, Mr. John Pickens, aged about 20 years. This young and
gallant volunteer was lately discharged on account of sickness and had
reached this city on his way to his home near Peru, Indiana. Worn down
by disease and emaciated to the last degree, the fell destroyer overtook
him. With the hope of once more beholding his home and of again being
embraced in the fond arms of a mother who but lately unclasped them
and bid him forth a man, he had urged his way homeward. His race is
ended and we have the satisfaction only remaining to state that it was
ended among friends who esteemed and respected him.

SICKNESS AMONG THE TROOPS.

Brook I'ille American, November 6, 1846.

CAMP LANE, Rio Grande, September G, 1846.

DEAR SIR — In my last I stated that we would soon leave for Camargo.
all of which, by the way, was a great mistake, for as yet we have seen
nothing of it, and I am strongly inclined to believe we never shall, unless
we bear our own expenses, for Indiana troops are but seldom called for.
* * * And now for ourselves. As our location is much better and the place
more healthy, it is reasonable to suppose that we have less sickness in
camp, which is a fact by one hundred per cent. One time we had in the
hospital 243 sick ; now we have sixty-one sick in the whole regiment. We
have discharged ninety-six by reason of surgeon's certificate, among whom
are four from Franklin, to wit : John Miller, Willis Moore, Andrew Berry
and William Laudfair, who will be at home in a few weeks. I think they
could all have got well here without going home. I am but little in favor
of discharges. The deaths in the said regiment, since our departure, have
been forty-five. Not BO much as we had anticipated, by any means. In
short, we have done fine (luring our stay among the enemy. Many thought
we would soon die off in Texas, but I doubt if we had remained at home if
we would have fared much better. This is all the news I have that would
be interesting, and therefore remain, Yours, etc.,

J. M. MYERS.

FROM AN OFFICER OF THE THIRD INDIANA.

Madison Banner, November 11, 1846.

MATAMOROB, Mexico, October 14, 1846.

EDITOR BANNER — * * * We are very much afraid here that a ship
load of discharged Indianians \vas lost about three weeks ago in crossing
the gulf. Among them were Captain McLain of Allen County, Adjutant
Barbour of Columbus, and J. W. Gordon of Ripler. They have now been

103

absent near one month aa<4 we have no news from them, although some of
them were entrusted with commissions in New Orleans that would cause
correspondence with their friends here. We hope they are all with their
friends at home, but we fear they are in the deep sea buried. They were
all discharged from the service on account of bad health. This campaign
is costing Indiana some of her finest young men. We have buried at least
100 of them here. An active campaign would not cost more lives. Indeed
the genuine horrors of war are seen in the hospital and the camp, and do
not belong to the field of battle. A few weeks ago there were 1,400 sick
men in the military hospitals of this place, besides the sick who were in
the regimental hospitals. To mend the matter our medicine chest is empty.
Really things are conducted here on a most beautiful system.

A VOLUNTEER.

A STAMPEDE.

Orleans Commercial-Bulletin, November 14, 1846.
The fifteen hundred mules belonging to the United States have been
kept for some time about two miles above this city, have made a regular
stampede, and breaking through their enclosure have scattered in every
direction up and down the coast and into the swamp. A gentleman who is
our informant and saw the rush, says it was the most magnificent sight he
ever witnessed as they rushed off at full speed.

EXPECTED AREIVAL OF TROOPS.

Orleans Commercial -Bulletin, November 14, 1846.
We undestand that six hundred of the new Mounted Rifle Regiment
are hourly expected here by way of the river and will immediately embark
for the Rio Grande. This is the regiment commanded by Colonel P. F.
Smith, and we learn that it is one of the finest bodies of men ever organ
ized.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 10.

Indiana Sentinel, X&vembtr 14, 1846.

Several men in the First Regiment have been sick for some time.
Their diseases do not appear to be very violent, but seem to be hard to
cure. One of the Heiidricks Volunteers was buried on the 2d of October,
and one of the Putnam Blues on the 3d. There were no more deaths in
the regiment until the 12th, when Mr. Bell of the Wabash Iiivincibles died.

On the 4th a detachment of nearly two hundred men was detailed to
escort upward of one hundred wagons from our camp to Matamoros. This
detachment was In command of Captain Milroy and Captain Lewis ; Cap
tain Milroy recruited out of the Fountain Riflemen and Captain Lewis out
of the Mad Anthony Guards. Besides, there were four from the Logans-

104

port company, four from the Indianapolis company and one or two from
the Putnam company joined ns. * * *

Captain Robert Mitchell. A. (}. M.. died at Matamoros on the 8th of
October. Captain Mitchell was 'well known as an estimable citizen of
Lawrence County, Indiana. All the volunteers who knew him deeply la
mented his death. The health of the regiment is improving, there being
hardly enough medicine in the whole regiment to either kill or cure. Calo
mel makes great havoc among the soldiers, according to the common sense
view of the subject. I make no pretensions to medical knowledge, but I
should be sorry if I had not yet made the discovery after seeing all the
walking skeletons on their way home from Camargo, Matamoros and all
the other places where troops are stationed. C. C. Smith has left here for
home.

FURLOUGHS GRANTED ENLISTED MEN.

Courier, \oronber 1 //. /X.W.
We learn, says the Louisville Democrat of the 12th inst. by an officer
of the First Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, who arrived in our city on
board the "Cincinnati," that Colonel Bowles, of the Second Regiment, In
diana Volunteers, has returned home on a furlough of sixty days. Captain
Eakles, of the First Indiana, and Captains Gresham, Evans, Graham and
Dennis, of the Second Indiana, and Lieutenant Davis, of the First, will also
return on a furlough for the same period, beside about seventy non-commis
sioned officers and privates belonging to the Indiana Volunteers.

DEATHS AMONG INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel, November 18, 1846.

In the list of deaths in the general hospital at Matamoros which oc
curred since October 1st, published in the New Orleans Delta of the 3d, we
tind the following names: J. W. Waltz, Third Regiment Indiana Volun
teers, Company D. ; James Nicholson, First Regiment ; R. Arnold, Third
Regiment; -- Richardson, First Regiment.

BAD STATE OF AFFAIRS.

HrooJcrille American, Norembcr 20, 18'i6.

CAMP CLARK, October 1(>, 184(5.

FRIEND CLARKSON — * * * There is but little security in this place.
On the evening of our arrival we lost one of our sergeants, who was mur
dered in one of the restaurants for his money, but he had none by him.
iiis name was Phillip Love, of Columbus. A tine, peaceable fellow. He
\v;is killed by two Americans, who have been arrested and sent to Newr Or
leans for trial. This, however, is a common thing. Almost every day

105

things of this kind take place, and if a fellow isn't careful of his head he
is very apt to lose it.

The health of our regiment is remarkably good. But few cases of
sickness yet remain in camp and they are not of recent date. All our boys
are well and in good spirits, save for Colonel McCarty. who has a small
turn of chills and fever. J. M. M.

WRETCHED CONDITION OF VOLUNTEERS.

Madison Banner, November 25, 1846.

We find the following in the Matamoros Flag of October 28 : "We do
not know whose province it is, but it is the bounden duty of somebody to
adopt measures for the support and proper treatment of several volunteers
who have been roaming about the streets for the last week or two, ap
parently disordered in their intellects and giving evidence of having been
brought to thjs state of wretchedness by sickness and suffering. It is not
proper that they should be suffered to depend upon the charity of strangers
to obtain the wherewith to subsist and kept in a situation where they are
daily exposed to the gibes, insults and even kicks of the Mexicans. We
saw one of these poor fellows rudely shoved from a hackel door on Sunday
last where he had no doubt entered, as he does daily the houses of our
citizens, to procure something to eat or to gratify an insane curiosity.

"Another one of them has proved exceedingly troublesome by entering,
unasked, different boarding houses about town or wherever he sees any eat
ing going on, and seating himself, without ceremony, at the table. A seat
next to him is anything but pleasant, as he is neither very tasty in ap
parel, cleanly in appearance nor engaging in conversation. They should be
properly provided for until sent home and it should be the duty of some
one to see that no American volunteer has to beg a Mexican for a meal's
victuals."

Madison Courier, November 28, 1846.

Mr. W. B. Custer, a volunteer in Captain Sullivan's company, died at
Matamoros on the second instant.

St. Louis Union, November 30, 1846.

Company "G," United States Mounted Riflemen, commanded by Cap
tain Simonson, and numbering seventy-six men. embarked yesterday after
noon for New Orleans on board the steamer "Champlain."

Campaign in Mexico, Isaac Reed, First Indiana. Xorembcr, 1846.

We now come to a new epoch in the history of the Indiana Brigade.
The officers having failed in their efforts to have their commands become
a part of the Tampico expedition, the attention of the Indianians was again
turned to a forward movement towards Saltillo. General Patterson had

106

some time previous issued conditional marching orders for the Indiana
brigade, which were in substance as follows: General Lane will proceed
to Monterey with his brigade (except Colonel Drake's regiment, which will
remain at the mouth of the Rio Grande) as soon as the Tennessee Cavalry
arrives at Matamoros. Colonel Clark will inform General Lane of the time
of the arrival of the Tennessee Cavalry. But Colonel Clark neglected to
give this information to General Lane, consequently there was considerable
delay in the march. The first intimation that the men of the First Regi
ment had of the existence of marching orders came from men directly from
Camargo, who took occasion to say that General Patterson was complaining
of General Lane for not being on the march with his brigade. This ac
count was first considered fabulous, but its truth was afterward confirmed,
as well as the development of the fact that the delay was in consequence
of the neglect of Colonel Clark. After this delay General Lane received un
conditional orders to proceed to Monterey with the Second and Third Regi
ments. Requisition was immediately made for transportation, but General
Lane expressed his deep regret that any portion of his command should be
left in the rear — he had every confidence in Colonel Drake to sustain him
self in any emergency, and no less confidence in his regiment, and it was
determined not to let the opportunty pass without making one more effort
in behalf of the First Regiment. He accordingly sent his aid (Lieutenant
A. L. Robinson) to Matamoros to see General Patterson, who had just ar
rived from Camargo. Colonel Drake would probably have gone, but Major
(since Lieutenant-Colonel) Henry S. Lane was at Matamoros, and the
Colonel had every confidence that he would leave nothing undone to pro
mote the advance of the First Regiment. Before they returned, unfavor
able news reached the First Regiment, which, together with the orders al
ready issued, seemed to put an end to the prospect of their advance. On
the 5th of December, Colonel Drake, at the evening parrfde, addressed his
soldiers. He frankly told them that the assurances that he had received
from officers high in rank had led him to believe that they would be ad
vanced into the interior ; but it was now his painful duty to announce the
fact that his regiment had no marching orders, and would probably remain
at the mouth of the Rio Grande during the remainder of its term of service.
He said, that the faithfulness with which the soldiers under his command
had dis'-harged their duty on all occasions, and their anxiety to do service
on the battle-field, wa* a sufficient guaranty that they would sustain him
in bis efforts to carry out the orders of the commander-in-chief. The ranks
of the regiment, said the Colonel, have been reduced, not upon the battle
field, where the American soldier is ever ready to sacrifice his life in his
country's cause, but in a position exposed to the disease of the climate, the
ravages of which have been far more destructive than the battles in which
our arms hnve been victorious, and our brave countrymen won imperishable
laurels.

When Colonel Drake concluded his remarks, sadness was depicted on
every countenance, occasioned by the melancholy reflection that we were
still to remain in inactivity near the sandhill which had been the sepulchre
of so many of our companions.

But the scene was soon changed. At night Major Lane returned, and
announced the fact that General Patterson pledged himself that he would

ID;

make out orders for the First Regiment to proceed to Monterey. * * *
This was received with emotions of great joy, and the night of the 5th of
December was the most jolly night we had during our service.

***** ******

On the 10th of December, the First Regiment embarked for Camargo.
The Third embarked some days previous and the Second about the same
time. The First arrived at Camargo on the 14th, the Second about the
same time, while the Third, having arrived sooner, had their mules broke
to harness and were on the march on the 16th. The First and Second
left on the 19th. The soldiers of all these regiments had to take wild mules
for the train and break them before they could march. These wild mules
were enclosed in a small yard at Camargo, where Mexicans were employed
to lasso them, and deliver them over to the soldiers.

The First and Second regiments had not proceeded far on the march
before Brigadier-General Lane received orders from Brigadier-General
Mai-shall to send the First Regiment back to the Rio Grande. This, as
well as ajiother order from the same source. General Lane declined to
obey, and the officers of the First Regiment sustained him in his position.
General Lane wrote to General Marshall, stating to him the reason which
he had for not obeying his orders. It is understood that he took the posi
tion that he could not obey Brigadier-General Marshall's order because
he (General L. ) was under marching orders of Major-General Patterson,
an officer superior in rank to Brigadier-General Marshall. The First and
Second regiments continued the march, while General Lane hurried on to
Monterey to report his brigade to General Taylor.

When General Lane arrived at Monterey General Taylor was about to
leave for Victoria. General Lane reported his command to be on the
march for Monterey, when General Taylor issued an order to General
Lane to send the First Regiment back — eight companies to garrison Mata-
inoros and two companies to garrison the mouth of the Rio Grande. This
order was received by Colonel Drake on the 24th of December, when the
regiment was crossing a creek at Corristos, seven miles south of Ceralvo.
The regiment encamped at that place, and on the following day com
menced a counter march.

The Second Regiment continued on to Monterey, and arrived at the
camp on this side of the city on the 27th of December. The Third Indiana
Regiment had left the camp for Saltillo. The Second Regiment took up
the line of march on the 29th of December and arrived at Camp Butler,
near the city of Saltillo, on the 1st of January, 1847.

THE LADIES7 AID SOCIETY.

Madiaon Banner, December 2, 1846.

The ladies of Madison, who for the last week or two hare been as
siduously laboring to make up a suitable present of clothing and other
necessaries for our volunteers, who, at the call of their country so prompt
ly left the comforts and luxuries of home for the hardships and priva
tions of a soldier's life, make this last appeal to the patriotism and g«i-

108

erosity of their fellow citizens. From the statements in various letters
and from the accounts published in the American Flag (a Matamoros
paper) it is evident that many of our volunteers have suffered much un
necessary hardship and that the sick have felt the want of many little
comforts that their small pay would not supply and which friends at home
would gladly make up if in their power.

The opportunity is now offered of sending directly to them whatever
may he collected together for that purpose. Such articles as strong boots.
Canton flannel, socks, muslin, black tea for the sick, etc., will be gladly
received by the committee, who meet every day at the house of Judge
Sullivan, and who pledge themselves for the faithful distribution of the
same. Eight pairs of shoes, 72 shirts, 35 pairs of drawers, 28 comforts
and 43 pairs of socks are now ready, besides what is sent by individuals
to their immediate friends. The ladies wish enough to supply every man
in the two companies not otherwise provided for.

DECEASED VOLUNTEEKS.

Indiana tfentincl, Jtewmler 2,

The following list of deceased volunteers in the First Regiment of
Indiana troops was kindly furnished Major A. F. Morrison by Mr. Isham
T. Beck. It embraces all of the deaths which have occurred since the
formation of the regiment up to the 28th day of October, 1846, and will
be of much interest to the friends of the volunteers, as well as the public
generally. A respectful notice of their decease is but a small tribute to
their memory, for although they sleep in the sterile sands of a foreign
land, and the spot is scarcely remembered where they lie, their memory
should be held in sacred regard; for they have fallen martyrs to their
patriotic ardor and have sacrificed their lives at the shrine of public
duty in their zeal to defend the rights and honor of their country:

CAPTAIN MILROY'S COMPANY OF W ABASH INVINCIBLES.

John E. Gearhard, Daniel Iseley, John Poff, Hugh Price, Spencer
Robertson, Custis Richardson, Thomas Sandrum, James W. Foster, Mich
ael Bell, privates; George M. Erwin, first corporal; James H. Armstrong,
fourth sergeant ; William H. Craiger, Alfred W. Cox.

CAPTAIN ROBERTS' COMPANY OF PUTNAM BLUES.
Henry Hyatt, X. A. West, Clark Powers, James McCalJ, privates.

CAPTAIN LASELLE'S COMPANY OF CASS VOLUNTEERS.
William H. Buchanan, Caleb B. Hopkinson, privates.

CAPTAIN LEWIS' COMPANY OF WAYNE GUARDS.

Dennis Keaton, Alexander Kirkley, Albert F. Royce, privates ; Isaac
R. Hazell, fourth corporal.

109

CAPTAIN CRAWFORD'S COMPANY OF HENDRICKS VOLUNTEERS.

Henry Hart. James Todd, William McAllister. Lewis L. Pounds, John
Lewis, John Shelby, Lurkin Bird, George Dickinson, privates; Lewis D.
Carter, first sergeant.

CAPTAIN M'LAIN'S COMPANY OF MAD ANTHONY GUARDS.

Oliver Browning. Joseph Reynolds. Daniel Eldred, privates; Jaines M.
Luckey, third corporal.

CAPTAIN ALLEN MAY'S COMPANY OF MONTGOMERY VOLUN
TEERS.

Jaines Wray. William I*. Hopper, James Nicholson. John Brattou,
Thomas Buckles, privates; Fenelou Goss, first lieutenant; George D.
Powers, second lieutenant (thrown from hack in New Albany) ; David
Hawk.

CAPTAIN M'DOUGALL'S COMPANY OF MARION VOLUNTEERS.

Luther M. Beck (drowned in the Rio Grande), Henry Cartwright,
John Johnson. Jerome Loots, Josephus Haima. John T. Morrow, John H.
Vanblarkum, Edward Malone, privates ; John Pay ton, first corporal.

CAPTAIN WILSON'S COMPANY OF WABASH RANGERS.

Michael O'Neal. William Reeves. Richard Bell, John Denton, privates.

CAPTAIN EVANS' COMPANY OF FOUNTAIN RIFLEMEN.

Henry Elliott (killed by falling through the hatchway of a ship),
Henry Updike, Isaac Harbert. William Cranmore, James Co, Washington
Jackson Lyon, privates.

REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE

INDIANA MILITIA TO THE GOVERNOR,

DECEMBER 4, 1846.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. December 4, 1846.

To His Excellency. James Whitcomb. Governor, and the Honorable Sen
ate and House of Representatives of the State of Indiana :
It becomes my duty, under the law. to lay before you a statement of
the military affairs of Indiana for the year 1846, which is now respect
fully submitted.

Since nothing of unusual importance occurred prior to the requisi
tion on us for troops for the war with the Mexican Republic, a brief
statement of some facts connected with that requisition is thought not to
be deemed inappropriate.

That the response of Indiana to the call of the President may be ap
preciated, it is well to remember that since our State organization no call
to meet foreign arms had previously been made upon the chivalry of our
people ; that a long and profound peace had been followed by an almost
total dissolution of our entire military system, and that hence, when the
requisition of the President reached the Commander-iu-Chief of our State
militia he could not order out to beat up for volunteers a single organized
division, brigade or regiment, for the plain reason that none existed.
That Congress, in the exigency of the moment, had not furnished in ad
vance the means to pay the expenses of our volunteers from their homes
to the place of rendezvous, and that, under these circumstances, the appeal
was of necessity made to the individual patriotism of the people of the
State. It was then, under such and numerous other disadvantages, we
received the call, which will be borne in mind while you read the follow
ing statement of facts in relation to the compliance on our part with the
requisition.

The acknowledgment of the existence of war between this and the
Republic of Mexico passed Congress and received the approval of the
President on the 13th of May. A requisition by the President on Indiana
for three regiments of infantry or riflemen was received by the Governor
on the 21st of the same month, and on the next day his proclamation call
ing for volunteers, accompanied with the memoranda of information, was
received and sent through the post office to every county in the State.

The first general order was issued and distributed on the 4th, the
second on the 5th, third on the 8th, fourth on the 10th and fifth on the
15th of June. On the 10th of June the requisition was full. Thirty com
panies had been organized, tendered their services, been accepted and or
dered to rendezvous near New Albany. On the 20th of June each of the
thirty companies ordered arrived at Camp Whitcomb, ready to be mus
tered into the service of the United States. Not one company was or
dered that did not appear, and every company ordered was there at the
hour.

Thus, in less than a month from the call an army of two thousand
five hundred and fifty-three men was raised from civil life, bid adieu to
the associations of home, marched from all parts of the State and pitched
their tents on the banks of the Ohio, ready to move to the seat of war,
then on the banks of the Rio Grande.

Notice that the requisition was full was immediately given, and yet
so intense had become the enthusiasm of our people that within seven
days twenty-two other companies tendered their services and asked per
mission to join their brethren in arms. Besides those mentioned compa
nies were forming all over the State, but not completed because they had
learned it was too late.

On the 24th of June the thirty companies were organized into three
regiments, which composed the Indiana brigade then organized ; and on
the very next day each regiment elected its field officers, who were then
commissioned.

The following exhibits the organization of the brigade, names of the
commissioned officers of the brigade, regiments and captains of companies,
to wit :

Ill

Indiana Brigade — Joseph Lane, Brigadier-General.

FIRST REGIMENT.

James P. Drake, Colonel Commandant; Christian C. Nave, Lieutenant-
Colonel ; Henry S. Lane, Major. Composed of the following companies,
to wit:

Man Anthony Guards, Allen County; Captain J. W. McLaiu.

Wayne Guards, Allen County; Captain D. W. Lewis.

Wabash Rangers, Miami County; Captain J. W. Wilson.

Cass County Volunteers, Cass County; Captain S. S. Tipton.

Wabash Invincibles, Carroll County; Captain R. H. Milroy.

Fountain Volunteers, Fountain County; Captain R. M. Evans.

Montgomery Volunteers, Montgomery County; Captain H. .S. Lane.

Hendricks County Volunteers, Heudricks County; Captain Christian
C. Nave.

Marion Volunteers, Marion County; Captain J. P. Drake.

SECOND REGIMENT.

William A. Bowles, Colonel Commandant, elected in Texas to fill the
vacancy of Colonel J. Lane, promoted ; William R. Haddou, Lieutenant-
Colonel ; James A. Cravens, Major. Composed of the following compa
nies :

Sullivan Volunteers, Sullivan County; Captain J. W. Briggs.

Clay County Volunteers, Clay County; Captain J. Osborn.

Greene County Volunteers, Greene County ; Captain L. H. Rosseau.

Lawrence Greys, Lawrence County; Captain H. Davis.

Hoosier Boys, Orange County; Captain William A. Bowles.

Washington Riflemen, Washington County ; Captain A. Dennis.

Posey Guards, Washington County; Captain N. Kimball.

Indiana Riflemen, Vanderburgh County; Captain W. Walker.

Spencer Greys, Floyd County; Captain W. L. Sanderson.

Lanesville Legion, Harrison County; Captain C. Gresham.

THIRD REGIMENT.

James H. Lane, Colonel Commandant (resigned and succeeded by
Captain S. Lasselle), elected Major and succeeded by Captain J. B. Pow
ers, who has been succeeded by Captain Allen May; elected Lieutenant-
Colonel and succeeded by Captain S. C. Crawford; elected Colonel and
succeeded by Captain John McDougal ; elected Colonel and succeeded
by Captain T. B. Kinder; William M. McCarty, Lieutenant-Colonel;
Willis A. Gorman, Major. Composed of the following companies, to wit:

Johnson Guards. Johnson County; Captain D. Allen.

Brown County Blues. Brown County; Captain J. Taggart.

Shelby Riflemen. Shelby County; Captain V. Conover.

Monroe Guards, Monroe County; Captain J. Sluss.

Bartholomew Volunteers, Bartholomew Comity: Captain I. S. Board-
man.

Dearborn Volunteers. Dearborn County: Captain J. H. Lane; elected
Colonel and succeeded by Captain George Dunn.

Switzerland Riflemen, Switzerland County; Captain S. Carter.

111!

Washington Guards, Jefferson County; Captain W. Ford.
Madison Rifles, Jefferson County; Captain T. S. Sullivan.
Clark Guards, Clark County ; Captain T. W. Gibson.

By order of the Governor the Adjutant-General repaired to New Al
bany to aid in the foregoing organization. The brigade organized as above
had all embarked for Mexico on the 12th of July.

It had been predicted in some quarters that to meet this call Indiana
would have to resort to a draft. We point with pride to the above facts
as a standing refutation of all such predictions. We have no cause to
blush for the answer we made to the call of our county, nor shall we,
as we confidently trust, for the men we sent to represent us on the
field of battle.

The attention of the Legislature is again respectfully called to the
subject of a thorough organization of the State militia. Hitherto public
opinion, the basis of our laws, it is thought, has been averse. It was said :
"We shall have no more war." But this is now proven to be untrue and
a state of actual hostilities has excited among the masses an intense mili
tary spirit. But should the present war terminate soon, as is much de
sired, what assurance have we that the jealous eye of monarchial Europe
will not seek a quarrel with us, in which we shall have to meet her potent
arms, principally, too, with State militia? For, while it is the policy of
monarchies to maintain heavy standing forces, it is ours to keep but small
ones; and hence, in our republic great reliance must be placed on a well-
organized State militia.

It may be proper here to re] teat the substance of what was said in
my last annual rei>ort on the importance of organizing to secure our proper
quota of the public arms. We draw under an imperfect report of our
strength made in 1832, representing our strength to be only 53,913 men
liable to the performance of military duty, which gives us in 1846 about
430 muskets worth some $0,020. Our population has more than doubled
since that time and hence a correct report now would entitle us to some
$13,020 worth of arms. We lose, then, annually some $7,000 worth of
arms, which in the short period of ten years, without counting past losses
or future increase of population, would amount to the sum of $70,000. A
correct return by actual enrollment will secure these arms, and nothing
else will do it, as will more fully appear by reference to a correspondence
between the War Department and this office, herewith communicated, in
consequence of the important information given on the part of the Wai-
Department, to which your attention is respectfully called.

This, of itself, upon the plainest principles of political economy, to
say nothing of the claims of patriotism, is, it would seem, a sufficient
reason for an organization. By reference to the report of the Quarter
master-General you will perceive that under the existing law requiring
bond for the safe keeping and return of the public arms, they are now
preserved.

It is believed that the public mind is now not only fully prepared
for, but actually demands, such organization. This state of the public
will is strongly indicated, as well from the tone of correspondents from
all i tarts of the State, as by the following comparison of the business of
this office in 1845 with that of 184(J. in which it is shown to have been
some eleven times greater in the latter than in the former year, to wit:

113

Communications received aud answered in 1845 65

Communications received and answered in 1846 724

Commissions ordered, procured and forwarded in 1845 125

Commissions ordered, procured and forwarded in 1846. : 1,320

The following exhibits the number of the above 1.320 commissions
which were issued to each of the kinds of militia, to wit :

To the district militia of the State 502

To the independent militia of the State 594

To the volunteers of the War with Mexico (to fill vacancies) 32

To the twenty-two companies reported too late for said service... 60

Total from 1st December, 1845, to 4th December, 1846, as above. 1,320

No official reports have been received of the strength of divisions or
brigades in the district militia during the past year, though from unoffi
cial statements it is believed some three brigades have been organized
during that time, as also a number of regiments. But one regiment, how
ever, has reported its strength.

There have been organized during the past year in the independent
militia of the State as follows, to wit :

New companies 144

New regiments formed of said companies 5

New and separate battalions 5

Besides which several of the twenty-two companies raised for the
Mexican War but too late for acceptance, it is understood, have identi
fied themselves with the independent militia.

The foregoing statements of facts in relation to the military opera
tions in our State for the past year evidently show that no State in the
Union has made a more energetic and patriotic response to the late call
upon her chivalry to meet a perfidious foe than has Indiana. They also
show, it is believed, that our people are ready for a full military organi
zation, by giving the strongest proof that could be given, that is, that
the work has extensively and rapidly commenced. It is hoped that the
Legislature at an early period of their session will give the subject their
careful consideration. If. in their opinion, it be considered expedient to
organize, an efficient law will of course be required — either a new code
or a thorough revision of the old one, curing what defects soever may be
found to exist.

And it is respectfully suggested that the laws governing the inde
pendent and district militia be bound in one volume.

Much inconvenience h.is been experienced by the militia for the want
of books of tactics, there being none with which to furnish them.

It is proper here to state that the envelopes used in the office during
the past year have been furnished by the Secretary, and the paper by
the Treasurer of State.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Your obedient servant,

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.
8-18750

114

EXTRACT FROM THE MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR

JAMES WHITCOMB, DELIVERED TO THE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF INDIANA,

DECEMBER 8, 1846.

After repeated attempts on the part of the United States for an hon
orable adjustment of all existing differences with the Mexican govern
ment, consisting in part of the accumulated wrongs and injuries com
mitted on citizens of the United States, in their persons and property, for
more than twenty years, our amicable relations with that power were
suddenly terminated on the 24th of April last by the invasion of our ter
ritory by a Mexican force, and the shedding of the blood of our own citi
zens upon our own soil.

This event was duly communicated to Congress by the President of
the United States on the llth of May last, for the consideration of that
branch of the government, which by a vote nearly approaching to unanim
ity passed an act, approvel on the 13th of the same month, recognizing the
war thus commenced on the part of Mexico, as existing between the two
powers, and authorizing the President to call for and accept the services
of any number of volunteers not exceeding 50,000 for its speedy and ener
getic prosecution.

By a communication from the Secretary of War, dated the 16th of
the same month, and received late in the evening of the 21st, enclosing
a copy of the act referred to, I was requested on the part of the President,
to call for three regiments from this State to serve as infantry or rifle
men, and to cause them to be organized at the earliest practicable period,
preparatory to their being moved towards the seat of war. In compliance
with this request my proclamation dated the 22d of May was issued, in
viting our citizen soldiers to repair to the standard of their country.

This call found our citizens peacefully engaged in their ordinary pur
suits, scarcely dreaming of this invasion of our soil by a foreign foe, how
faithless soever past events had shown that foe to be. Our military or
ganization, during a peace of thirty years, was broken up and in ruins.
No funds had been provided by law to be advanced to the volunteers be
fore they should reach the place of rendezvous, either for clothing, for
provisions or for the expenses of transportation. It is true the United
States had made ample provision for each of these objects, but payment
could not be made to volunteers until they should be inspected and mus
tered into the service. What the volunteer stood in need of, therefore,
was a friendly hand to advance to him, or to the proper officer for his
use, the amount of these necessary expenses until being accepted into the
service of the United States, he should receive from the paymaster his
due allowance for these expenses, out of which he would thus be enabled
to replace the money advanced for his benefit.

Such wore a few of the obstacles that, according to the predictions of
some, threatened to prevent the raising by the time required of Indiana's
quota of troops.

Kut those and all other difficulties were met and overcome* princi
pally from tho ranks of our young -HUMI. who are their country's defense

115

in the hour of danger, and its pride and hope in the time of peace. They
flew to the standard of their country with an alacrity and enthusiasm
that challenge our admiration and prove that when allowed to share in
the perils of the battle field, their bravery is destined to shed an addi
tional lustre on the brilliant victories which have already crowned our
arms. By the 10th of June, only eighteen days from the issuing of the
proclamation, the whole thirty companies were reported to the Executive,
and within a few days after twenty-two additional companies were offered
ready for service. Their disappointment was great when informed that
the requisition was already full, and that the services of no more troops
could be received from Indiana. Many other companies in various parts
of the State, and in different stages of organization, were, much to their
regret, compelled to disband on receipt of this intelligence.

Our three regiments were concentrated at New Albany, not only in
ample time, in the opinion of the proper officers of the regular army, but
from two to three weeks sooner than the means of their transportation
by steamers could be furnished by the United States.

An arrangement was made with several branches of the State Bank
by which they agreed to advance on the draft of the Executive means to
aid in clothing, subsisting and transporting the volunteers, looking to the
government for repayment The whole sum drawn by the Executive under
this arrangement was $5,218.78. of which $3,718.78 was drawn from the
Indianapolis branch, and the residue, being $1.500, from that at Madison.
The whole amount drawn was applied to the objects in question, except
ing $47.78 of the last named sum, which, remaining unexpended, has been
returned to the Madison branch, leaving yet due to that institution
$1,452.22.

As the only payment made by the United States to the volunteers
before they left Indiana, was for clothing, no part of that was retained
to pay the money advanced to them for other objects, unless with their
own consent. If objection was made and after full explanation persisted
in by a single volunteer, the retention as to the entire company of which
he was a member was necessarily deferred until the time of receiving the
allowance specially made for such objects.

Some companies not needing the whole of their clothing pay for imme
diate use, consented to the retention, in some cases of the whole, in others
of a part of what was due from them, it making no difference to them in
the end, out of what payment it should be retained.

Under this regulation there was retained, with the consent of the
volunteers, for the loan advanced by the branch at Indianapolis, $3,108.59
before the troops left New Albany, which has since been duly paid over
and credited on the books of the bank, leaving a balance due to it of
$610.19, amounting, with the balance due to the branch at Madison, to
$2,062.41.

The Executive was also officially advised that the branch at Fort
Wayne advanced from $1,200 to $1,300 (the precise sum not being now
recollected) to an agent appointed for that purpose by that institution, by
whom it was expended for the benefit of the two companies raised at
that place. The branch at Lawrenceburg also advanced $740 for the com
pany raised in Dearborn County, which it is understood has been repaid,

116

although no formal communication to that effect has been received from
the branch.

Measures have been taken by the Paymaster-General, and by a letter
addressed to Brigadier-General Lane of the Indiana volunteers, to have the
balance due the branches at Madison, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne re
tained out of the moneys provided by the United States for the expenses
of the volunteers, to whose uses the advances were applied. But as some
delay may occur before this can be done, as some of it may never be re
ceived on account of deaths or discharges from the service before pay
ment, and as some interest will be due on the loans, it is recommended
that an appropriation be early made to cover the whole amount due.

This course is the more proper, as with but one exception these ad
vances were made on the faith of the State, and the amount hereafter
retained would, in case of an appropriation, be paid into the State
Treasury.

Before closing this topic it is felt to be due to the character of our
citizens to publicly acknowledge the numerous instances in which many of
the volunteers were promptly supplied by their generous and patriotic
neighbors with clothing, provisions, wagons for their transportation and
with refreshment on their way to the place of rendezvous. This was the
more creditable, as generally speaking, no remuneration for these deeds
of kindness was expected, and it could hardly be hoped that they would
ever be heard of beyond the bounds of a limited acquaintance.

The moneys drawn to aid in raising the troops were disbursed from
time to time, according to a prescribed plan, on accounts and vouchers
regularly and systematically rendered, which are filed away and open for
inspection.

Documents relating to the military operations referred to are hereby
submitted.

By the accompanying report of the Adjutant-General it will be seen
that the business of that office has greatly increased within the past, as
compared with the preceding year. The letters received and answered by
him in the year 1845 amounted to but sixty-five, while they amounted to
724 in 1840. The commissions ordered and forwarded through his office
in the former year amounted to but 125, while in the latter year they
amounted to 1,320. Deducting from this number the 224 commissions
issued to the volunteers sent to the seat of war, and to the additional
companies raised for that service, but not received, and still the increase
of the number of commissions issued in the year 1840 over those issued
in 1845 shows that the war in which the United States are engaged has
excited a strong and growing military feeling throughout the State. It
is well worthy of your consideration whether this state of things does not
indicate a call on the part of the people for an organization of the militia.

Deeply as a state of war with any nation is to be regretted, there is
no alternative unless a disposition for peace is manifested on both sides.

Many who feel indifferent or even averse to such an organization in
a state of peace regard it as necessary in time of war. It is uncertain
how soon another call may be made on us for additional forces. Had our
militia been organized at the time it is evident that the raising of our
troops would have been facilitated and hastened by merely calling on the

117

proper officers to order out their respective commands and beat up for
volunteers on parade, thus saving much time and securing the advantage
of the force of example and the enthusiasm of numbers.

Another advantage attending such an organization would be found in
its enabling the State to return our full military strength to the War De
partment as a basis on which to draw our quota of the public arms.

As they are now drawn on the last return made, in 1832, we are an
nually deprived of more than one-half of the arms to which we are en
titled, arising to the great increase in our population since that time.

Your more extended opportunities, however, have better enabled you
to ascertain the public will upon this subject, by which we should be
governed.

While speaking of the increased labors of the Adjutant-General during
the past year, it is due to that officer to express my deep sense of the im
portant aid received from him in the raising of our volunteers. So press
ing were the duties of his office, and so unremitting were his exertions
from the time the call upon Indiana was first made until our troops
were embarked at New Albany (to which place we had repaired on their
concentration at that point), that his entire time was necessarily with
drawn from his ordinary avocations. Having no clerical assistance, his
nights during that period were generally devoted, until a late hour, to the
public service. The far greater part of his time since has been occupied
with his military correspondence. I commend him to your favorable con
sideration for an additional compensation for these services, and also, in
view of the present and prospective increase of his regular duties, that his
salary be also increased.

By the report of the Quartermaster-General, herewith submitted, it
will appear that since his last annual report he has succeeded in collect
ing arms distributed previously to the year 1842, and for which bonds ap
pear not to have been taken, to the amount of 793 pieces, consisting of
muskets, rifles, sabres and pistols, and that there have been repaired dur
ing the same period 1,176 pieces of similar description, besides 400 hol
sters and cartridge boxes; all of which have thus been rendered fit for
actual service. It will also be seen that by receiving a portion of oui'
quota of public arms from the ordnance office, in cavalry, rifle and in
fantry accoutrements, to replace such as had been lost or destroyed, a
number of arms to which they are made appurtenant have thus at a com
paratively small expense been rendered available for service. The sug
gestions in the same report as to security and transportation of the public
arms, are respectfully urged upon your consideration. The fidelity and
energy of this officer in the discharge of his official duties are worthy of
commendation, and as his labors are now much greater than formerly, it
is submitted whether he is not also entitled to an increase of compensa
tion.

Arms have hitherto been distributed in the order in which they are
applied for by organized companies. It is recommended that this rule be so
modified by law as in all cases to give the preference to such companies
as may pledge themselves to stand ready for actual service at the first
call of their country.

118

THE GOVERNOE THANKS THE CITIZENS FOR
KINDNESS TO VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana, SentincJ, December 8, 1846.

Before closing this topic it is felt to be due to the character of our
citizens to publicly acknowledge the numerous instances in which many of
the volunteers were promptly supplied by their generous and patriotic neigh
bors with clothing, provisions, wagons for their transportation and with
refreshments on their way to the place of rendezvous. This was the more
creditable as, generally speaking, no remuneration for these deeds of kind
ness was accepted, and it could scarcely be hoped that they would ever
bo heard of beyond the bounds of a limited acquaintance.

THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS INCREASE IN
SALARY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL.

Indiana Sentinel, December 8, 1846.

While speaking of the increased labors of the Adjutant-General during
the past year it is due to that officer to express my deep sense of the im
portant aid received from him in the raising of our volunteers. So press
ing were the duties of his office and so unremitting were his exertions
from the time the call upon Indiana was first made until our troops were
embarked at New Albany (to which place he had repaired on their con
centration ut that point), that his entire time was necessarily withdrawn
from his ordinary avocations. Having no clerical assistance, his nights
during that period were generally devoted until a late hour to the public
service. The far greater part of his time since has been occupied with his
military correspondence. I commend him to your favorable consideration
for an additional compensation for these services, and also in view of the
present and prospective increase of his regular duties, that his salary be
also increased.

ARRIVE AT NEW ORLEANS.

New Orleans Picayune, December 8, 1846.

Captain John S. Simonson, Company G, Mounted Riflemen, arrived
yesterday with his command, numbering seventy-seven men, rank and file.
Lieutenants Taylor, Russell, Gibbs and Frost also came down with the
command, but we are unable to say which of these gentlemen properly
belong to the company. The troop landed at Lafayette and rode through
the city to the barracks, making a very fine appearance. The corps is
composed of sturdy looking young men and all are well mounted.

Ill

THE MOUNTED RIFLEMEN.

Indiana Sentinel, December 11, 1846.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS. Mo., December 10, 1846.

DEAR CHAPLAIN — Some ten or twelve days ago I found time to com
mence an epistle to you. It was in the evening and I had got as far as
the third page when I was called from my room for a few minutes. On
my return I found my room full of smoke, paper and newspapers, let
ters, books, sealing wax, etc.. all burning as finely as if they had been
an accepted offering and my table the altar dedicated to old Pluto him
self. All that remained of my letter to you was ashes and smoke. I very
much regret it. for that letter was one of the best I had ever written.
* * * The first fact I have- to relate is that I have been quite sick,
and in that fact and the foregoing I fancy you Can find reasons for my
apparent long neglect of yourself. I am on my pins now, however, and
shall endeavor to do better hereafter.

The mounted riflemen, seven companies of whom were here, have
nearly all left for the seat of war. The companies which have left are
Captain Sanderson's company (B), Captain Crittenden's company (E),
which left about two weeks ago; Captain Simonson's company (G), which
left ft week ago, and Captain Pope's company (D), which left this morn
ing. The companies remaining are Captain Loring's (A), Captain Back-
enstoss's (H), Captain Tucker's (K), Captain Ruff's company (I) is not
yet recruited. Companies C and F, Captains Mason and Walker, have
been in Mexico some time. The above comprises the whole of this fine
regiment, and you will no doubt be gratified to learn that about three
hundred, or more than one-third of the entire regiment, were recruited
in Indiana. Captain Crittenden's, Captain Simonson's and Captain Tuck
er's companies are composed entirely of Indianians. The first was re
cruited by Lieutenant Tipton at Logansport, and many Indiana recruits
were attached to other companies. Add to these Lieutenant Kearney's
Dragoons, of whom he raised 111 in Indiana, and the three regiments of
volunteers, and Indiana is as well, if not better, represented in the field,
both as to number and character, as any State in the Union, notwith
standing her great distance from the scene of action and her want of di
rect interest in the cause of the war.

The clothing, arms and equipments for the men have all been re
ceived and nothing detains the companies remaining here but the want of
horses, saddles, etc. These will undoubtedly be furnished within a few
days, as the most of them are already purchased or manufactured. Cap
tain Loring's company leaves tomorrow and all are reported to be off in
eight or ten days.

The arms are equal to the best ever manufactured in this or I will
venture to ?ay. in any other country. They tell well for her great progress
in the important art of manufacturing firearms and cutlery. They con
sist of the sabre and the rifle. The former was made at Ames's great es
tablishment. Springfield, Mass.: the latter were m-ide at the National
Foundry at Harper's Ferry, and is without exception the handsomest
piece of firearms I have ever seen. It is brass mounted on a black walnut
stock. 32-inch barrel, percussion lock, steel brass-tipped ramrod and car
ries a ball of about twenty to the pound. The men are delighted with

120

them and the Hoosiers are determined to take the first opportunity to
prove that in handling the rifle they are to the manner born, and woe to
the Mexicans on whom they draw "fine sights."

Major Burbridge and staff left today for New Orleans to hasten prep
arations for transportation to Point Isabel, where the regiment will ren
dezvous with the view of proceeding immediately to Tampico, thence to
San Luis Potosi, a right — and then, ho for the Halls of Montezuma.

The health of the troops has been very good. Of the dragoons, rifle
men and infantry there have been between 500 and 000 men here nearly
all the fall, and yet there has not been much sickness and but six deaths.
Of these four were Indianians, belonging to the mounted riflemen, namely :
Henry Cole and John R. Bancroft of Company K, who enlisted at Lafay
ette, and - - Piircell and - - Phipps, of Company E, who were en
listed at Logansport. They were buried with military honors in the
graveyard, which is beautifully situated a few hundred yards below the
barracks and as many back from the river on gently rolling hills, and is
ornamented with various trees standing as they were planted by "Nature's
canny hand."

The weather within a few days has undergone a great change ; from
the mild balmy atmosphere of the Indian summer to the utmost rigors of
winter. A few days' rain wound up with a snowstorm and we now have
some six or eight inches of snow. The river has risen about eight feet
and continues to rise. This, with the indications which we have today of
milder weather, bids fair to keep the river open for some time.

In consequence of the storm we have had no mail for four days. The
high waters in the creeks on the other side of St. Louis prevent its ar
rival there, and we must wait here until it comes along in the regular
course. I therefore miss the wholesome and regular Sentinel, which please
continue to forward as heretofore. Yours truly,

C. A.

Indiana Sentinel, December 22, 1846.

LIST OF DEATHS

In the Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers as furnished to Major Mor
rison by Adjutant Daily, under date of Camp Clarke, November 3, 1840

OF COMPANY A — CAPT. J. M. SLUSS.

Names. Date of Death. Rank.

J. W. Sims Aug. 23 Private.

Joseph Turner Sept. 4 "

John Service Sept. 13

Israel Winkler Sept. 16

Robert Black Sept. 18 "

R. A. Givens Aug. 7 "

John Moore Oct . 10 "

John Eller Oct. — . . 1st Lieut.

OF COMPANY B — CAPT. WM. FORD.
James Smith Aug. 9 Private.

121

OF COMPANY C — CAPT. DAVID ALLEN.

Simon Habble Aug. 9 Corporal.

Stephen Glassburn Oct . 14 Private.

Elsey Mathes Sept, 23 ' 2d Lieut.

OF COMPANY D — CAPT. SCOTT CARTER.

Alfred Cook Sept. 29 Private.

Jackson Waltz Oct. 10 "

William Terry Oct. 31

OF COMPANY E — CAPT. JAMES TAGGART.

Caleb C. Bidwell July 13 Private.

Rees Brummit July 25 "

Joshua Brummit, Sr July 28 Corporal.

John Hollowell July 27 '. Private.

A. Lawless Aug. 30

William Davis Sept. 13

OF COMPANY F — CAPT. ISAAC S. BOARDMAN.

Thomas Beaty July 31 Private.

A. Pruett Aug. 17

Edward Hammer Sept. 20 "

Philip Love* Oct. 9 Sergeant.

OF COMPANY G— CAPT. T. L. SULLIVAN.

John Myer July 8 Private.

- Brown Aug. 2 "

Humphrey Neal Sept. 5 "

Wm. B. Custer Oct. 23 "

OF COMPANY H — CAPT. V. CONOVER.

Shadrack Arnett July 24 Private.

Philip Kesler July 27 "

David McMahan July 18

Lewis Moore July 19 ''

Oliver Strain Oct. 27 "

Wm. W. Aldridge Sept. 9 2d Lieut,

OF COMPANY I— CAPT. T. W. GILSON.

Truman H. Crossf July 11 Corporal.

Frederick Branneck Sept. 14 Private.

Thos. D. Forsythe Sept. 29

OF COMPANY K — CAPT. GEORGE DUNN.

Moses Prior Sept, 1 Private.

Henry Inman : . . Sept, 3

T. G. Congor Sept. 24

Jonathan Walton. . . .Oct. 17. .

*Murdered. f Drowned.

122

DEPAETUEE OF GENEEAL SCOTT FOE THE SEAT

OF WAE.

New Orleans Picayune, December 24, 1846.

United States Steamship Alabama, Captain Windle, left last night for
Brazos Santiago, and it is believed she will immediately proceed from
thence to Tampico. General Scott and staff were passengers on board.
Company A, United States Mounted Riflemen, Captain Loring and Lieu
tenants Morris and Palmer; Company B, Captain Sanderson and Lieuten
ant Gordon ; Company D, Captain Pope and Lieutenants Claiborne and
Hawkins; Company E, Captain Crittenden and Lieutenant May; Com
pany G, Captain Simonson and Lieutenants Russell and Gibbs, also left on
the Alabama and are destined for Tampico, the whole under the command
of Major Sumner, Major Burbridge being compelled to remain here in
consequence of illness. Lieutenants Newton, Tipton, Taylor, Lindsay and
Ewell with a detachment of men will remain here for some days in order
to superintend a shipment of horses belonging to the companies, which
will be dispatched at the earliest possible moment.

LETTEE FEOM THIED EEGIMENT.

Indiana Sentinel, December 24, 1846.

CAMP CLARKE, MATAMOROS, MEXICO, November 19, 1846.

* This evening the wind is blowing a hurricane from the north
and every fellow is shivering with cold and the tents are one-third blown
down, ropes broken, canvas torn, pins given way, and there is a general
scampering among the boys. We have but ten men in the hospital sick
and they are mostly recovering. Our regiment is in a fine state of mili
tary discipline and is as orderly and obedient us any regulars. Every
one of the Monroe Guards, except Philip Smith, is well and able for duty,
and Smith is getting better. He is discharged and will start home in a
few days.

I think it has turned out pretty well that we have been stationed as
we are, for now we can say with propriety that our regiment is among
the best drilled and disciplined regiments in the service. Their health is
now recruited finely and the vigorous nerves of our farmer boys are be
ginning to show their usual power and strength. They make no parade,
do not puff and take on about a fight, but they act like men, but depend
upon it. they look wolfish at Mexicans and the gamblers, and I believe
they would just as soon shoot one as the other, the latter having swindled
M) many poor soldiers and given our police so much trouble to suppress
this all-prevailing vice in Matamoros. Our boys have all been paid off in
gold for four months and they look and feel like new men. G.

123
SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 11.

(By a Member of the First Regiment)
Indiana Sentinel, December 29, 1846.

MOUTH OF THE Rio GRANDE, November 15, 1846.

The weather is not so excessively hot now as it was during last
month, though a coat is uncomfortable in the middle of the day. The
much-talked-of rainy season has not yet made its appearance and it is. my
candid opinion that this country is something like Indiana in this respect,
that Nature dictated that it should only rain enough to aid vegetation.

The health of the soldiers in the First Regiment is much better than
it has been in times past. Disease has been more fatal in this regiment
than any other in our brigade. About sixty-five have died in this regi
ment since its organization. Over forty have died in the Third Regi
ment, and I am informed that the number of deaths has not been so great
in the Second Regiment.

The movements of the army are not clearly known in this quarter,
but everything here indicates that great preparations are making to carry
on the war. At Brazos Santiago there is an unusually large quantity of
quartermaster and commissary stores, besides baggage wagons enough to
cover an acre of land, if not more, and about seventy ships, schooners,
etc., at anchor or in the bay. Here it the mouth of the Rio Grande the
landing is literally crowded with provisions of various kinds, forage, am
munition, arms piled up like cord-wood, various implements of the pon
toon train, etc. It is generally understood by the officers of the regular
army that Tainpico is to be attacked by our army, but whether the forces
are to be sent by land or water I am unable to say. It is evident, how
ever, that a great portion of the army will go by land from the Rio
Grande. The great number of wagons at this point and at Brazos San
tiago will be needed at Tampico in case our army marches from that
place to San Luis Potosi, and it will be necessary to send an escort with
the wagons to Tampico. A large train of wagons is to leave Brazos Saoi-
tiago in a lew days for Matamoros and be accompanied by Captain Mc-
Dougall's and Captain LaSalle's companies. It is supposed that this is a
preparatory step to the march for Tampico.

Wounded soldiers pass here nearly every day on their way home from
Monterey. They represent matters to be perfectly quiet at Monterey and
vicinity. The First and Second regiments have been expecting orders to
march to Tampico every day. and I have even delayed writing to you for
more than two weeks, hoping to inform your readers that the Indianians
were to be called into active service where they could represent the chival
ry of their State in a manner that would do no discredit to a Teunes-
seean or a Mississippiau. No orders have yet been received for any of
the Indiana regiments to move from their present encampment.

I am sorry to say that some men have blamed our officers because
we were still kept upon this sand-hill and not inarched into the enemy's
country. All such accusations are unjust. General Joseph Lane has used
every exertion in his power to have the Indiana brigade ordered to take
up their line of march to the scene of action, and if he does not succeed
it will not be his fault. Colonel Drake has frequently urged the claims of

124

the First Regiment to participate in fighting the battles of our country.
Major Henry S. Lane, notwithstanding his health has been poor for a
considerable time, has never failed to do everything that his position
would justify to urge the claims of the First Regiment to do active serv
ice, as well as to testify in favor of its ability. Should we ever be called
into action I have no doubt that the conduct of these gentlemen will be
a triumphant refutation of the charges made against them.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL NAVE, FIRST REGIMENT,

RESIGNS.

From "Campai(/n in Mexico'1 Isaac Reed, Fourth Indiana, December, 18.'f6.
The First Indiana Regiment garrisoned at Matamoros, where the men
became much more perfect in drill, and their good conduct was a suffi
cient vindication against the many slanders that were uttered against
them. Lieutenant-Colonel Nave resigned his commission, which resigna
tion was accepted. Major Henry S. Lane was elected Lieutenant-Colonel,
and Sergeant William Donaldson, of the Fountain Riflemen, Major.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DAVIS, COMPANY F,
SECOND INDIANA.

The Bedford Kim. January ,7,

CAMP BELKNAP, December 5, 1846.

For the first time since my departure I sit down to address you a
few lines. * * *

I will say something now about our situation and our prospect for
active service. Two regiments of our brigade will leave in the course of
a few days for Monterey, the Second and Third. The First is still sta
tioned at the mouth of the Rio Grande and is likely to remain there. We
now begin to think we shall have some share of the fighting; but once
we thought it a bad chance. In fact, we almost began to think that Old
Rough and Ready did not want us at all, or that there were no such
beings in the world. The boys looked very sour in those days. You would
have thought some of them would have given 45 cents out of 50 and
risked living on the remainder to have been in the battle of Monterey.

All is cheerfulness now, however, and they are much elated with the
speedy prospects of moving into the interior of Mexico. I cannot tell you
to what point we are going, but think it very probable we will join Gen
eral Taylor and move towards Vera Cruz, though I am in the dark at this
time. This much is certain; we are to embark on the steamboat for
Camargo and go from thence to Saltillo by way of Monterey by land.
Where next I know not. Our regiment is yet in good order. We have
over 700 men and have lost only thirty-one by death.

The boys in my company are generally well, except some few cases
of mumps. We will not bo compelled to leave over six for sickness when
we move and they will be left at Matamoros. As I have nothing further
of interest to communicate, I will now close.

COL. W. A. BOWLES

SECOND INDIANA VOLUNTEERS

125
BACK TO THE EIO GRANDE AGAIN.

Al ul amor os Flag, January 11, 1847.

The First Indiana, under Colonel- Drake, reached here, yesterday from
Camargo and will immediately relieve the Third Ohio, occupying this post,
who await the orders of General Scott. Two companies of the Indiana
regiment. Captains Wilson raid Evans commanding, are to be stationed at
the mouth of the river, the remainder to be posted in and around the city.

FIRST AND SECOND REGIMENTS OCCUPY SAL-

TILLO.

From "Campaign in Me.rico." Ixuac Reed, First Indiana, January, 1847.
The First Ohio Regiment and the Louisville Legion left Camp Butler
(which was at the rancho Gonzales) on the 1st of January, 1847. This
left the Second and Third Indiana regiments the sole occupants of the
encampment. Colonel Bowles, who had been absent for some time, ar
rived at the camp on the 4th of January and again took command of his
regiment. Captain C. C. Graham, assistant commissary, and Captain Will
iam Walker arrived at about the same time. On the 9th of January the
greater part of General Worth's division commenced the march for the
Rio Grande, in obedience to the order of Major-General Scott. General
Worth left on the 10th. when Major-General Butler assigned the com
mand of Saltillo to Brigadier-General Lane. General Lane ordered the
Second and Third Indiana regiments to occupy Saltillo; the latter moved
into the city on the llth. and the former on the 12th. News was re
ceived which seemed to indicate that the enemy was advancing. The Ken
tucky cavalry and the Second Kentucky Regiment, being ordered to Sal
tillo. repaired to that place in great haste.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 12.

Indiana Sentinel, January 14, 1847.

FIRST REGIMENT, MOUTH OF THE Rio GRANDE, December G, 1846.

The camp has been in a state of suspense until quite recently. The
Alabamians have come down the river and are going to Tampico by water.
A part of the Third and Fourth regiments of Illinois arrived here from
Camargo a few days since, but have been ordered back to Matamoros.
probably to go with the wagon train to Tampico. A company of miners,
sappers and pontooniers have also come here and encamped. Their des
tination is Tampico. Company F of the Fourth Artillery that left here
some days since arrived safe at Tampico.

General Joseph Lane came here on the morning of the 5th of Decem
ber and ordered transportation for the Second and Third regiments to
Camargo, which was very promptly furnished by Captain E. A. Ogden,
and a portion of the Second Regiment is now on its way to that place.

126

The men of the First Regiment were very much dissatisfied with their
rate, for I assure yon that all are anxious to be off of the sand-hill to
some favored spot and to advance upon the enemy. The camp presented
a more gloomy appearance than it had at any time since we had to wade
sines. But the scene soon changed. Soon after dark Major Henry S.
Lane arrived from Matamoros bringing the cheering news that General
Patterson was about to issue an order to have the First Regiment re
moved to (1amargo. The next morning (the 5th) Lieutenant Robinson,
aid to General Lane, came here and communicated facts that left no doubt
that the First Regiment would go to Camargo. Whether the Indiana Bri
gade is to go for the purpose of advancing farther into the interior I can
not tell, but I see no good reason why the Indianians should be kept back
while troops that arrived some time after us have been suffered to ad
vance, and even raw recruits of the regular army have been passed by us.
In my humble opinion every State that had troops in the field should have
had a representation in the battle of Monterey. The States that raised
troops had a right to expect nothing else.

The climate is still very mild. We have had no freezing weather and
no cold weather except when there was a north wind. A greater part of
the time it has been warm enough to keep comfortable without a coat. The
Rio Grande is very low at present and navigation somewhat difficult. The
health of the regiment is very good and but few have died recently. Joel
B. Franklin of the Wabash Rangers died very suddenly on the 5th inst.
He was a little indisposed and after lying down a few minutes, died. The
cause of his death was congestion of the brain.

AN ACT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE VOLUNTEERS

FOR THE MEXICAN WAR, AND FOR THE

RELIEF OF COUNTY TREASURERS.

(Approved January 14, 1847.)

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Indiana, That it shall be the duty of the several county treasurers of this
State in which companies of volunteers for the Mexican War have been
raised and ordered on, in which there is any tax, either county or State,
levied and charged against any one or more of said volunteers, privates
and non-commissioned officers, to make out a certified list of the names
and the amounts of county and State tax against each of said persons ;
and that the said treasurers shall present the said certified list of the
State tax to the Treasurer of State, who shall thereupon enter a credit
for said amount ; and the said treasurers shall each file with the county
auditor of their respective counties a certified list of the name and amounts
of county tax charged as aforesaid. Said list to be laid before the board
doing county business in and for said counties, whose duty it shall be to
enter to the credit of said treasurers the said amounts.

Sec. 2. That it shall be the duty of said treasurers to enter a re
ceipt upon their tax books for the amount of each man's tax, and that the

127

same shall operate as a final release to each and every one of said volun
teers for said amount.

Sec. 3. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its
passage and publication in the State Sentinel ; and it is 'hereby made the
duty of the Secretary of State to forward a certified copy of this act to
each of the counties of this State on or before the first day of January
next.

AN ACT FOR THE FURTHER RELIEF OF THE VOL
UNTEERS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA.

(Approved January 14, 1847.)
Poll Tax Remitted.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of
Indiana. That the volunteers from this State who are now in the service
of the United States, in Mexico, or who have been discharged from said
service, and who have had a poll tax assessed against them for the year
1846. be and the same is hereby cancelled and remitted.

Sec. 2. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its
passage.

LEW WALLACE WRITES A LETTER.

State Journal, January 22, 1847.

We have been permitted to make the following extract from a letter
written by Lieutenant Lew Wallace to his father :

CAMARGO, MEXICO, December 19. 1846.

DEAR FATHER — The sudden and unexpected departure of Mr. A. Y.
Cuddiugton, an honorably discharged member of our company, enables me
to write to you once more.

We have had some horrible weather. There was no rain or mud, no
excessive downpouring of the sun, but merely a wind which blew all day
raising such clouds of dust that no one could see or breathe. Neither
houses nor tents could afford shelter.

Ever since our arrival we have been busily employed preparing for
a forced inarch to Monterey. Night and day we have been occupied. We
have caught and broken 120 wild mules to the wagons which carry our
baggage and provisions, had a complete re-outfit in arms, canteens, etc..
/i nd after a deal of terrible work and confusion will find ourselves on the
road to Monterey at 10 o'clock today.

We have had to proceed with caution and speed. From sundry such
persons as spies we learn that the Mexicans are in the neighborhood of
our route in considerable strength, and that we shall have a fight or skir
mish along the road is quite probable, but that we shall mingle in an en
gagement beyond Saltillo somewhere is settled beyond all doubt or uncer
tainty.

About a month ago General Taylor received a polite note from Santa

128

Anna stating that he had 13,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry troops ready
equipped for the field and requesting the former to meet him anywhere he
pleased. General Taylor very characteristically replied that he would cer
tainly comply with his invitation as soon as he could concentrate 10,000
men at Monterey. Besides this, of whose correctness there is no doubt,
from the urgent style and tone of all the old General's late orders and
dispatches, no one can infer aught else than that there is either a battle
to be fought or a sioge withstood somewhere in the interior, at what post
we cannot at this period judge. Of this fact there is no doubt, namely,
that from late indications we are thrusting ourselves into a position more
dangerous than most persons would like to imagine. As he has openly
avowed, Santa Anna's policy is to draw the army into the interior, and he
has succeeded most admirably. Taylor's advanced corps is already seven
or eight hundred miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande and to oppose
the projected march of the Mexicans he has been necessarily compelled to
weaken the garrisons at the various posts whose possession is vitally es
sential to his line of communication. Reynosa, situated between Mata-
moros and Camargo, commands the whole river, and has not a man to
occupy it. A battery of four guns would sweep the river so effectually
that not a handful of provisions could be conveyed to the troops in Monte
rey and Saltillo for six months. Thus the whole of us would have to
capitulate or starve. Indeed, the only thing under Heaven which can save
us is the speedy arrival of more troops from the States. If New York and
Pennsylvania send us their quotas we can march ahead in perfect safety.

The wonders of war are gradually revealing themselves to niy sight.
There is nothing else on earth in which splendor is mingled to a greater
degree with misery. It is strange also how soon it blunts the finer feelings
of our nature and absolutely murders all sympathy or pity.

There is a goodly brotherhood of soldiery assembled at this point, the
three regiments from our own State, two from Ohio, one regular army,
together with one Kentucky cavalry regiment and a battalion of regular
mounted riflemen, with a company of sappers and miners, constituting a
right respectable little army amounting to about 5,000 men.

SECOND AND THIRD INDIANA AT CAMARGO,

MEXICO.

Indiana Sentinel, January 23, 1347.

CAMARGO, December 14, 1840.

The Third Indiana and several companies of the Second have arrived.
The Third will leave on tomorrow and the several companies of the Sec
ond when the moiety of the regiment arrives. Theirs has been a weary
time in this war, buried in the sand of Brazos and the Mouth, without any
pay, many of them almost in rags. Great praise is due them for the1
promptness and rapidity with which their present movement has been so
far executed.

129
SKETCHES IX CAMP.— No. 13.

(By an ex-Reporter of the State Sentinel.)
Indiana Sentinel, February 6, 1847.

CAMARGO, MEXICO, December 19, 1846.

On the Oth of December General Lane came to our camp in great
haste with orders for the First Regiment to move on to Monterey. On
the 10th the whole regiment left the mouth of the Rio Grande for Carnar-
go in the J. E. Roberts and the Rough and Ready. The Marion Volunteers,
the Fountain Riflemen, the Wabash Rangers and the Montgomery Volun
teers took passage in the J. A. Roberts and the rest of the regiment in the
Rough and Ready. John Gillespie of the Fountain Riflemen fell overboard
and was drowned just before the boat left the landing. In our passage up
the Rio Grande the Roberts ran aground several times, but owing to the
metal of the boat and the skill of the crew, it was got off the sand bars
without much difficulty. After passing Matamoros we observed no town
at all until we were in sight of Reyuosa. It is true we passed some wood
yards, where there were a few scattering houses that presented a view at
a distance similar to a negro quarter on the Mississippi, but as we ap
proached nearer it was plain to be seen that their houses were far in
ferior to the meanest kind of negro huts. These illy constructed houses
were built of mud and cane and with less mechanism than a beaver dam.

The scenery on the Rio Grande is beautiful, though man had but little
to do in making it so. It is a bit of nature, not of art. The banks of
this rapid stream abound with evergreens, tropical shrubbery, leafless
thorn bushes, and even beautiful flowers in December. The largest tim
ber to be found here is mesquite. Ebony also grows here, though not in
such abundance as the mesquite. The largest tree I have seen would not
exceed two feet in diameter.

On the 14th the J. E. Roberts arrived at Camargo, three miles up the
San Juan. Camargo is certainly as bad looking a place as it has been rep
resented to be by those who have gone before us. The stone buildings are
flat-roofed and in a state of dilapidation, some cracked on either side, while
others have commenced falling down. The mud and cane buildings look
more like cowhouses or hogpens than dwellings for human beings. Camar
go is the most dusty place I ever saw. On a windy day the dust flies so
thick that one can hardly see three steps before him.

On the 15th the Rough and Ready arrived with the remaining six
companies of the First Regiment and they immediately went to work break
ing mules, and in the morning the Third Regiment had all their mules
broke and were starting off to Monterey. The First and Second regiments
will leave here as soon as they break their mules.

A Mexican captain, with ammunition and baggage, has been taken by
the Kentucky Cavalry and is a prisoner of war. On the night of the 17th
a Mexican was caught while trying to set fire to a magazine. He is closely
confined and will be tried for the offense. The Whiteville arrived the same
day with the remaining three companies of the Second Regiment.

On the 18th everything was put in readiness to start for Monterey 011
the following day. On the 19th the whole encampment struck a light a

9-18750

130

great while before day. We have just eaten our breakfast, commenced
loading up the wagons and are only waiting for daylight to take up the
line of march. The boys are all wide awake, but I am sorry to say that
some that are unwell and anxious to go ahead will have to be discharged
or left in hospital, because there are not more than wagons enough to
carry the baggage and provisions.

LIEUTENANT LOVE SEEKS RECRUITS IN IN
DIANA.

State Journal, February 8, 1847.

*Lieutenant Love, of the United States Dragoons, is now recruiting in
this city. See his advertisement in another column.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN KINDER.

State Journal, February 8, 1847.

We are permitted by the gentleman to whom it is addressed to make
the following extract from a letter written by Captain Kinder of the Sec
ond Indiana :

CAMP NEAR SALTILLO, January 3, 1847.

DEAR FRIEND — In my last from Monterey I anticipated that we might
have a breeze at this place, but it appears that there was more smoke
than fire. Small parties of lancers are reported as being near and skir
mishing about the country, and there are alarms frequently raised without
much cause. General Wool is twenty miles beyond Saltillo guarding one
of the many passes incident to this country. We are encamped within
twenty miles of the great Rinconado Pass, which, you will recollect, is in
the line agreed upon between Taylor and Ampudia. We came through the
pass on our march to this place. The Mexican President's message has
made its appearance in these parts. It is considered quite pacific. Folk's
message has not been received. Generals Butler and Worth are both at
Saltillo.

Many opinions prevail here relative to the prosecution of the war.
Butler says he does not entertain the least doubt but that a settlement of
the difficulties will be entered into in six weeks from the present time.
General Worth is of the opinion that we have but just entered into the
affair and that we will have enough fighting to answer all purposes. At
present everything presents a quiet and peaceable aspect. The Mexican
citizens are apparently quite friendly. Saltillo is a city of some im
portance, numbering about 1G,000 souls. Monterey contains about 12,000.
We are encamped about five miles from the town. There are a few regular
troops in the city. The Second and Third regiments of Indiana are all
the volunteers that are here. On yesterday the First Kentucky and Ohio
regiments started from here to Monterey, hence I think we will remain

*Brigadier-General, Civil War.

131

here for some time, perhaps during our whole service. If so we shall be
satisfied. We have had enough active service to satisfy any reasonable
man.

The boys, on arriving here, were much fatigued, -but they are much
healthier than usual. Occasionally it is quite cool. We are on a very ele
vated part of the country; 500 feet higher than Monterey. The country
is strongly fortified by nature for defense. A range of mountains extends
from Monterey to this place, which is almost impassable.

Madison Courier, February 20, 1847.

The Ten Regiment Bill has finally passed both Houses of Congress.
Now is a good time for all brave and patriotic men to serve their country.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 14.

LA RIXCONADA, Mexico, December 31, 1846.

When the First and Second Regiments left Camargo they had not pro
ceeded more than six miles when the First Regiment was ordered back to
the mouth of the Rio Grande and Matainoros. Both regiments continued
to the next watering place, where they all encamped. Before morning
General Lane received another order from General Marshall, but of a dif
ferent nature. It commanded him to station a part of the First Regiment
at Camargo and the remainder at Mier. General Lane was under march
ing orders of a superior officer (General Patterson) and he did not seem to
consider it his duty to send the First Regiment back until he had further
orders from headquarters. General Lane was applauded by the officers as
well as the privates of the First and Second Regiments, and his firmness
met their entire approbation.

On the 20th we continued our march. The soil over which we passed
was dry as powder and one would not suppose from appearances that it
had rained for two months. We arrived at Mier and encamped for the
night. It will be recollected that this was the place where 261 Texans at
tacked the Mexican troops, over 2.000 in number, and killed a great many,
but the Texans were taken prisoners after their anmmmtion had been ex
hausted. The Texan prisoners were cruelly treated and a portion of them
shot. Mier contains about 3,000 inhabitants. It is built mostly of stone,
but has a portion of mud and cane houses like all other Mexican towns.

We took up the line of march on the morning of the 21st and passed
over a rolling piece of ground impregnated with iron ore. After traveling
about seven miles a ridge of mountains was visible. We encamped on the
Alamo, a stream of swift running, cool water, the best we had tasted since
we left Indiana. Two companies of regulars that commenced the march
one day sooner, had their tents pitched at the same place.

On the 22d \ve continued our march, but the regulars left camp about
an hour and a half sooner and kept ahead of us, and some of their men
were so exhausted that they fell back as far as the Indiana regiments.
The rain commenced falling in small drops and it continued to rain nearly

132

all night. We encamped at Pontaguida' where three companies of the
Second Regiment of Ohio Volunteers were in camp. We left the encamp
ment on the 23d and arrived at Cerralvo on the same day. This place
looked as though it was once a town of some importance hut the walls of
some of the buildings had commenced falling down, the convent had been
abandoned and it was occupied by soldiers, and the church was without a
priest. As you know, a church in Mexico without a priest is of as little
service as a school without a schoolmaster.

The next morning, the 24th, we left Cerralvo, and after marching about
seven miles the two regiments halted at a little creek near a rancho, when
we were met by an express ordering the First Regiment to return to the
Rio Grande ; eight companies to be stationed at Mntamoros and two at the
mouth. The First Regiment encamped and the Second passed on to a dry
creek bottom and pitched their tents. The camp was supplied with water
from the springs. Ariole, our interpreter, killed a very fat turkey, which
afforded us a fine Christmas meal the next morning before daylight.
Christmas was a very delightful day. It was none too cool for comfort.
In fact some of the parts of the chaparral abounded with flowers and I
gathered as fine a bouquet as the ladies in Indiana would have gathered in
July, and when I looked at three of the prominent flowers and observed
that they were red, white and blue, like our national colors, I could not re
frain from reflecting that coining events cast their shadows before them
and that the time would come when the area of freedom would be ex
tended over this uncultivated land and that industry would supersede in
dolence.

We encamped at night on Pagans Creek. The mountains were appar
ently but a short distance from us on the left. General Marshall, with a
portion of the Kentucky Cavalry and the Second Dragoons, encamped about
a mile from us on the same creek. The next day, the 26th, we passed
Ramos and Marin and encamped within about three miles of the latter
place, and by this time I had nearly worn my eyes out in looking at the
mountains. The next day we conthinued our march. The mountains ap
peared to be but a few miles distant, but we traveled for hours and did not
seem to get any nearer. We at last arrived at the camp near Monterey.
It was about five miles from the city, though we could not see it from the
camp, but the Bishop's palace was visible on the right of the city. The
Third Indiana had left for Saltillo before our arrival and the Second was
ordered to proceed to that place immediately. The Second Regiment re
mained in camp one day to prepare for the march, and on the 29th we com
menced marching for Saltillo and passed through Monterey. I shall not
speak of the last named city. Much has been written of this city, and its
strong fortifications have been spoken of freely. I will only say that every
American who may chance to visit this city will be proud of the gallant
soldiery that fought their way into the city inch by inch, charging upon the
breastworks of the enemy and scaling the walls of their forts.

The most beautiful scenery in Monterey was Aristae Garden. I had
only time to stop a few minutes, consequently shall not attempt a graphic
description. It is laid out with a taste that would be a credit to any
country. It is watered by pools running from the mountains and conducted
in channels to all parts of the garden, but I am compelled to say that the

133

variety is not as great as might be expected in this tropical country. Great
additions might 'be made to the shrubbery. After passing this beautiful
garden and the Bishop's palace we next passed a mill about four miles
from the city, with the inscription on it "Melino de Jesus Maria." It was
very neat in its appearance, built of stone and coated over with lime, which
made it very durable. It had no bolt, but a hand sieve was used to sep
arate the bran from the flour.

We passed on to Santa Catarina and encamped. Our route was
through a mountain pass and in moonlight. The next day we encamped
at La Rinconada. having traveled twenty-four miles, the last eighteen of
which was over a dusty road where a drop of water could not be found.
The men suffered greatly. I was much amused to see the various inclina
tions of the boys. Some marched in rank with the regiment and others
managed to get out of ranks for the purpose of searching for precious
metals at the foot of the mountain, hunt wild flowers, or run ahead to
take a game of poker.

La Rinconada is a narrow mountain pass. A row of trees and maguay
plants are set out upon both sides of the road as it passes through a rich
valley. There is also a swift running stream and a waterfall, but the
crystal rivulet runs but a short distance from the hacienda and sinks. I
have not much to say relative to the movements of the army. General
Taylor has gone to Victoria with a force and General Butler and General
Worth are at Saltillo with another portion of the army. There is no news
from Saltillo of any importance.

BAD BLOOD BETWEEN TWO GOOD MEN.

Reminisences of Edu-ard T. Dickey, Co. G, Third Indiana.

Much has been said at various times about the part played in the battle
of Buena Vista by the Indiana troops. I have never yet seen but one ac
count (and that was written by Colonel James H. Lane, of the Third Regi
ment, and pertained only to the action of his regiment) which appeared to
me to have been written by anyone having personal knowledge of the facts ;
and I have never yet seen the true reason given for the inisstatments in the
official reports of the battle, as to the Indianians. So far as the Third
Regiment was concerned, it grew out of the fact that General Joseph Lane,
Brigadier General of the Indiana troops, neither called for nor received any
report from Colonel Lane of the action of his regiment (the Third), but
made report of his brigade, when the truth was he had no connection with
or command over the Third Regiment at any time during the battle.
Where General Lane was during the day of the 23d of February, 184:7, the
Third Indiana did not know, for no one who remained in the ranks saw
him until after the Mexicans were driven away by the Third Indiana from
their slaughter of the Kentuckians and Illiuoisians, in the afternoon of that
day.

Why the General did not call on the Colonel for a report of the action
of his regiment was well understood by the Indiana soldiers. They had
come to blows on the Saturday before the battle, followed by a challenge

134

from General Lane which had been accepted by Colonel Lane and was then
pending. There had been ill-feeling and jealousy between them from the
time the Third Indiana left Matamoros ahead of the Second Indiana, which
was in December, 1846. The Second was General Lane's regiment before
he was promoted to Brigadier, and was therefore his favorite regiment.

The relations between these two officers grew more strained by other
moves of a similar character at Carmargo and again at Monterey. On
Saturday preceding the battle of Buena Vista, after regimental drill, Colo
nel Lane termed his regiment into a hollow square, and he and the other
field officers of his regiment were discussing some troubles that had arisen
among them growing out of an effort on Colonel Lane, Adjutant Daily and
Captain T. Ware Gibson to continue the Third Indiana in the service, leav
ing out Lieutenant-Colonel McCarty and Major Gorman. After the regi
mental officers had made their statements, General Lane, wrho had been
standing just outside the square, listening to the talk, stepped inside and
proceeded to make a statement of his understanding of the matter. In
doing so, he said something that Colonel Lane said he didn't believe. To
this General Lane replied he "did not care whether Colonel Lane believed
what he said or not." The Colonel retorted by saying that "a man who did
not care what he did say was not likely to care whether what he said was
believed." The General asked "if the Colonel meant to say that he (the
General) was a man who disregarded his word." The Colonel's reply was,
"I do, by - — , sir." At this the General struck at him. The Colonel
dodged the blow and struck the General in the face. They were then sep
arated by the officers about them.

The General started away, saying as he went, "Colonel Lane, prepare
yourself." The Colonel brought his regiment into line facing toward the
camp, and while he was saying to the men that the trouble was his own,
and that he wished the men to take no part in' it, the General was seen com
ing through the camp with his rifle on his shoulder. Colonel Lane's back
was to the camp and he did not see the General until he was within per
haps thirty yards. At about that distance the General stopped, and calling
to the Colonel asked, "Are you ready, Colonel Lane?" The Colonel looked
around and seeing the General, ordered a man in the ranks to load his
musket, and replied "I - - soon can be." That man and many others
loaded their muskets without delay. Just as the Colonel reached to take
the musket the guard surrounded the General and led him away, saving
the lives of both officers, for had they exchanged shots I have no doubt the
General would have killed the Colonel, and as little doubt that fifty musket
charges would have found lodgment in the General's body, knowing, as I do,
the temper of the men of the Third Indiana at that time. The challenge
immediately followed.

MAJOR GOBMAN HAS LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Indiana Sentinel, March 1, 1847.

Major Gorman of the Third Uegiment, who occupied a distinguished
position in the battle of Buena Vista, is on his way home. The wound re
ceived by the Major is considered of a dangerous character.

135
SKETCHES IX CAMP.— No. 15.

(By an ex-Reporter of the State Sentinel.)
Indiana Sentinel. March 6, 1847.

CAMP BUTLER, near Saltillo, January 7, 1847.

The Second Regiment left Rinconada on the morning of the 31st of
December. The route wound around a mountain peak to the left. After
proceeding about a mile we found ourselves at the foot of a high, rocky
hill. The train reached the top with considerable difficulty. At the top
of this summit I observed a place where the Mexicans had commenced
throwing up breastworks for the purpose of preventing the Americans from
advancing any farther into their country, but the work had been aban
doned before any part of it was completed. They had only dug a ditch
about eighteen feet deep around a small space of ground. From the quan
tity of rock in and about it, I should judge it was hard digging and if I
had been so unfortunate as to have been born upon Mexican soil, with
Mexican principles, and been doomed to dig in such a place, if they did
not furnish me powder to blow up the rocks. I should certainly ask the
privilege of being mustered upon the lazy list. There can be no doubt that
when Ampudia succeeded in inducing General Taylor to have it fixed in the
terms of capitulation that neither army should pass Riuconada within the
sixty days, it was his intention to fortify so strongly upon this hill as to
prevent our army from passing at any future time. He probably imagined
that he would cut the Americans down by thousands as they approached.
I am willing to admit that this would afford the enemy a strong position,
but our army considers no fortification invincible, no walls too high to
scale and no force too large to contend with. This position would enable
the Mexicans to make a strong defense, but they would be driven from it.
Duncan's Battery would be seen climbing the steep precipice; Ridgely's
Fighting Artillery would advance quickly, sending the messages of death
in rapid succession ; the regulars and volunteers would advance upon them
with fixed bayonets; the Texan Rangers would climb over the mountains
at the right and before the setting of the sun the Mexicans would be glad
to slip out the back door. I am not in the habit of boasting, but after
viewing the ground at Monterey where our army fought against superior
numbers in strong forts and well-erected castles, I am constrained to be
lieve that in any other contest they would be no less brave.

v We encamped at the hacienda called Ojo Calienta. The mountain pass
through which we were traveling did not contain a tree or shrub four feet
in diameter, except some shade trees that were set out at the ranches near
the roadside. The ground was quite rocky and covered with small bushes
about a foot and a half high and two or three species of cactus, though
pine trees of considerable size were seen on top of the mountains. The
next morning was New Year's Day, but nothing of importance occurred.
After marching several hours we met the First Regiment of Ohio and the
Louisville Legion returning to Monterey. We encamped at the camp
ground near Saltillo some time before dark and found everything quiet and
the Mexicans as polite as so many French gentlemen. In fact they did not
seem to be as stupid a set of heathens as those on the Rio Grande. On

136

the contrary, many of them in this section are well educated in their own
language.

General Butler and General Worth are still here. They are both ex
cellent men ; men whose bravery has been tested ; men who have exceeded
the expectation of their friends in every contest in which they have been
engaged. General Butler has not entirely recovered from his wound, but
I assure you that notwithstanding this fact the old hero would as soon
fight today as any other time.

The health of the men in the Second and Third Regiments has been
very good. One of Captain Rousseau's men died suddenly on the 3d of
January. He went out to the spring branch and while in the act of tipping
a cup of water he fell over and survived only a few minutes. Colonel
Bowles, Captain Walker and Commissary Graham arrived here on the 4th
of January.

A portion of the infantry and artillery left here today. It is expected
they will go to Vera Cruz. There were some of the regulars that hailed
from Indiana and among the number was Lieutenant Benjamin, who called
on us and bid us farewell. I was much gratified to learn from a gentleman
belonging to the same battalion who accompanied us to this place, that
Lieutenant Benjamin gave a good account of himself at the battle of
Monterey. He is an ardent young officer, always ready to face danger and
be foremost in the attack.

It is much colder here than at Matamoros, though not so windy. We
have not seen any snow and but little ice. Wood is very scarce, being
brought here from a great distance on pack mules. We suffer but little with
the cold, but the Mexicans draw their ring-streaked and spotted blankets
over their shoulders and even cover up their faces and exclaim "muchu
frizo."

INDIANIANS APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT TO SIX
TEENTH U. S. INFANTRY.

Indiana Sentinel, March 13, ISJfi.

We noted in the list of officers appointed by the President for the new
regiments of infantry the following, all of whom hail from Indiana :

John A. Hendricks and Thomas F. Both well, to be Captains.

John T. Hughes and James Hughes, to be First Lieutenants.

James Tiltoii and Wm. W. Carr, to be Second Lieutenants

NOW FOR MEXICO.

Madison Courier, March 13,

The Stars and Stripes are now hanging out from Hendricks's rendez
vous at the corner of Main. Cross and Poplar streets, and thus, far we un
derstand they have met with good success. In a few days we are con
fident the company will be filled up with as good and brave men as ever
put shoe leather upon Mexican soil. Captain Hendricks and Lieutenants
Hughes and Tilton are a noble set of men, and no doubt will give general
satisfaction to their country.

137

State Journal, March 16, 1847.

Lieutenant Colonel C. C. Nave, First Indiana, recently from Mexico,
passed through this place for Danville, his place of residence, on last Mon
day.

LETTER FROM C. C. SMITH OF THE FIRST IN
DIANA.

State Journal, March 15, 1847.

MATAMOBOS, February 16, 1847.

EDITOR OF JOURNAL — Severe indisposition has prevented me from writ
ing as often as I intended, although nothing of interest has occurred here
for some time. Colonel Drake of the First Indiana is now civil governor
and military commandant of this important post, and no man better quali
fied to succeed Colonel Clarke could have been found in the volunteer
corps. The responsibility is very great, the duties arduous and harassing.
He necessarily comes in conflict with the usages and customs so old as to
become law. He is the arbitrator of every little difficulty, and being com
pelled to employ an interpreter renders the administration of justice ex
tremely difficult and harassing; but Colonel Drake spares no trouble nor
time in finding out the right and wrong, and punishes- or rewards accord
ingly.

The regiment is disposed of as follows : Companies A and H, Captains
Roberts and McDougall, are stationed in the main plaza ; Company F,
Captain Lewis, at Fort Parades: Company C, Captain Milroy, at Fort
Brown. The remaining six companies are in barracks at the lower plaza.
For the first time in eight mouths we can lie down to sleep with a roof-
tree over our heads. For the present we are fixed quite comfortably and
will no doubt remain in our present quarters until disbanded.

For a few days we have been on the qui vive, reports having reached
us that a considerable body of cavalry under Carravabal are prowling
around the neighborhood awaiting a favorable opportunity to attack the
city. Colonel Drake has also received an official dispatch from General
Taylor corroborating these reports, and cautioning the men to be on the
alert, consequently we are tolerably busy. We have commenced a series of
fortifications, which, when completed, will bid defiance to treble our num
ber. The streets leading from the plaza are closed up by an embankment
five feet in height, on the outside of which is a ditch five feet in depth and
fourteen feet in width, the whole defended by a six-pounder, rendering it
an extremely hazardous undertaking for the enemy to come in. Company
H, the Marion boys, by constant exercise and laborious drilling, have be
come tolerably proficient in the artillery exercise, and they now can handle
a six-pounder with almost the same ease and facility as they handle their
muskets, and are ever ready with cannon or musket to give our dusky
friends a warm reception if they see proper to come. Our only fear is
that they will not dare to attack us.

Our regiment is at present in a more healthy condition than ever be
fore. One or two cases of smallpox has appeared in town, and to prevent
its doing any damage to the regiment, we are all being vaccinated.

Yours, etc.

138

A letter from Matamoros of two days' later date says that Captain
Koberts has died. The smallpox is raging to a considerable extent among
our troops at Matamoros.

SKETCHES IN CAMP.— No. 17.

(By an ex-Ileporter of the Sentinel.)

Indiana Sentinel, March 17, 1847.

SALTILLO, MEXICO, January 31, 1847.

But few incidents of importance have occurred since my last sketch
was written. The guardhouse has been occupied occasionally with several
volunteers, both American and Mexican, but it is now nearly empty; the
former seeing the necessity of conducting themselves properly in an
enemy's country, and the latter beginning to understand how to act so as
to avoid suspicion. The Americans and Mexicans pass away the time much
more harmoniously than could be expected. Whenever any outrage is com
mitted by one party or the other, General Lane has the matter inquired
into and has the volunteer tried in accordance with the regulations of the
army and the orders of General Taylor. Only a few outrages have been
committed by either party. Some soldiers seem to think that it is no harm
to take a stick of candy or a cake from a poor ragged Mexican boy that is
obliged to peddle for a subsistence, or to strip an old Mexican peasant of his
blanket, but such things are discountenanced by a large majority of the
soldiers. * * *

Rumors of the enemy's approach have been circulated in this city for
some time past. Several scouting parties have been out and returned.
Major Gains, Captain Cassius M. Clay, about eighty of the Kentucky Cav
alry, Major Solon Borland of Arkansas, and Captain Henry of Texas left
here some time since with the determination to go farther than any of their
predecessors. On the night of the 21st of January they encamped near El
Salado, about ninety-three miles from Saltillo. The sentinels gave the
alarm twice in the course of the night, and on both occasions the men got
up and placed themselves in a position for defense, but retired to bed after
everything was quiet, thinking little of the fate that awaited them. At
daybreak, when they were about to rise, they looked up and observed that
they were surrounded by not less than 2,000 Mexican cavalry with their
lances and swords drawn, so that they could have killed every American
before much resistance could have been made.

Their first impression was to fight, but they soon saw that it would be
useless for eighty men to undertake to fight 2,000 when they had so great
an advantage over them. They surrendered to the Mexicans and were im
mediately marched off towards San Luis Potosi. Captain Henry being fa
miliar with the Mexican language, very soon ascertained pn the morning of
the 23d that he was identified as a Texan and must suffer death. He put
on a cheerful air and did not seem to notice what was passing. In the
course of the day while he was on his horse he rode up and down the line
where the prisoners were and talked to them very harshly. He told them
to march in close order and not fall behind, and while he was near the

139

rear he suddenly spurred his horse in such a manner that he jumped to one
side and passed the rear guard. Captain Henry rode off at full gallop.
Several of the best horses with expert riders were selected and Captain
Henry was pursued. After riding some distance the Mexicans observed
that they had gained but little, so they stopped at every rancho they passed
and got fresh horses and after riding some distance one of the Mexicans
approached very near Captain Henry and the Captain suddenly whirled and
fired, bringing the Mexican to the ground.

The Captain rode on as fast as he could and another Mexican was
about to overtake him when he shared the same. fate. Two being killed
daunted the courage of his pursuers, but they did not quit the chase. It
was only a few minutes when another Mexican was about to overtake him.
Captain Henry fired upon him and wounded him in the arm and the Mexi
can turned his course. Captain Henry was soon out of sight of his pur
suers and saw them no more. He rode on until his horse could go no far
ther, having had nothing to eat or drink, and he was compelled to leave
him. Captain Henry was off of the main road some distance in a path and
was too much fatigued to proceed. When riding through the thickets his
clothes were torn and he was badly scratched and stuck with thorns. He
sat down beside some bushes and rocks, picking the thorns out of his flesh,
when, hearing a noise, he looked up and saw about eighty Comauche In
dians pass, but they did not observe him.

Captain Henry came on foot to Saltillo much fatigued and deeply re
gretting the loss of his noble Ixorse, that was no less than a life preserver
to him. Since Major Gains's command was taken another party of thirty
were sent out under the command of Captain Heady of Kentucky, which
shared the same fate. It has been reported here that the Mexican guide
who accompanied Major Gains had been killed, but this has not been con
firmed. Captain Henry says he had not been killed when he left. The
Mexicans say there is a force of from 10,000 to 25,000 that will attack us
in a few days, but they are so much in the habit of telling fish stories that
we attach no importance to this statement, though it may be proper to state
that there are about 4,000 Mexican troops at different places between here
and San Luis Potosi.

A CHAPLAIN WANTED.

Indiana Sentinel, March 11, 1847.

By the politeness of Adjutant-General Reynolds we are permitted to
make the following interesting extracts from a private letter recently re
ceived by him, dated Matamoros, February 21, 1847:

DEAB GENERAL — If the papers I have forwarded the Sentinel, have gone
safely, you- are acquainted already with the general news in our city. On
yesterday we performed the mournful duty of burying the remains of
Captain J. H. Roberts of Putnam County. He died on the night of the 19th
and was buried with the honors of war. General Lane is yet at Saltillo
with his two regiments, whose drill is very favorably spoken of. There are
twenty-four cases of smallpox in the town, only four in the regiment, but
I fear our situation, as we can get no good vaccine matter. There has been

140

but one death, but in all probability there will be four more in less than a
day.

As yet we have no chaplain. It is a burning shame. It makes me be
lieve that Protestant ministers care but little for their countrymen. It is
ease and money they want, and fear it 'cannot be had on this frontier.
Lieutenant Farley has been very low, but is mending slowly and I think
will recover. Washington Hawkins, son of Bird Hawkins, was buried yes
terday. He was from Montgomery County and formerly kept a tavern in
Putnamsville. I think General Butler is opposed to the policy of Scott's
campaign to Vera Crux. He thinks it probable that he will have no fight
there, but much disease. Yours in haste.

RECRUITS FOR THE SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.

Madison Courier, March 20, 18.'t7.

We are pleased to perceive that Captain Hendricks and Lieutenant
Hughes are so rapidly filling up their company for the Mexican War, and
it is no less gratifying to know that there are in our community so many
young men with strong arms and brave hearts who thus promptly answer
their country's call. We have not seen at any time the same number of
men comprising in the same degree the requisites of a reliable soldiery, and
when in the field we expect to hear of something done by these brave boys
in honor of their country and our State.

We understand that this company will belong to the Sixteenth Regi
ment of Infantry, under the command of Colonel J. W. Tibbetts, and as
soon as organized will proceed without delay to Point Isabell.

OFFICERS CALL ON "OLD ROUGH AND READY."

State Journal, March 29, 18-'f7.

Mr. Isaac Kinder of this city, father of Captain T. B. Kinder, now in
Mexico, has permitted us to make the following extracts from a letter
written by his son and dated at Agua Nueva on the 15th of February, 1847 :

"We are now 25 miles south of Saltillo, with 5,000 effective volunteers
ready for service. The whole force is under the immediate command of
General Taylor, who arrived at Saltillo on the 4th inst. and immediately
marched on to this place. "Old Rough" is in fine health and good spirits.
At his invitation the officers of the Second and Third Regiments called at
his marquee to pay him our compliments and "get a good look" (as the
boys say) at the gray, worn veteran. He looks more like an old farmer
going to market with eggs to sell than anything I can now think of ; jovial
and good-humored. He told us that he was ordered to act entirely on the
defensive, but he appears uneasy and some say that he is fitting out an
expedition against San Luis Potosi, but large reinforcements will have to
come to us, and especially a strong force of artillery, before an expedition
could be thought of against so strongly fortified a place as San Luis
Potosi."

141
SKETCHES IX CAMP.— Xo. 16.

SALTILLO, MEXICO, January 18, 1847.

When General Worth left Saltillo on the 10th of January with a por
tion of flying artillery and some of the infantry belonging to the regular
army, everything was calm. There was not the slightest movement of a
hostile nature on the part of the enemy that could be perceived. General
Lane moved into the city' and took command of it in place of General
Worth. General Butler still remained there, being in command of not only
all the forces near this point, but of his entire division stationed at dif
ferent points, but we soon began to hear of rumors of war, Mexican en
campments and Mexican lancers and spies. The Third Regiment had al
ready moved from their encampment to the city and taken quarters that
had been evacuated. The Second Regiment was sent for In great haste,
which regiment moved into the city, with as little delay as possible on the
12th of January, and since that time there has nothing been talked of but a
fight. It has even been asserted that there would be a battle before the
going down of the sun on the following day, but that day has passed more
than once without bringing with it the horrors of war.

Most of the news came through the men from General Wool's camp
and one of the Arkansas Cavalry informed me yesterday that General Wool
had been talking about a fight ever since they commenced the march, and
at this late period they attached no importance to any alarm that was
given by him ; that they had continually heard the cry of wolf when there
was no wolf. It is true there are some remarks made in relation to the at
tack which appear somewhat ludicrous, but there can be no doubt that there
are some indications of hostile movements on the part of the enemy. The
Mexicans have already moved many of their valuable golden images from
the church on the Plaza tie Santiago, and a great number of families have
moved out of the city within a few days. The Tlascau Indians, who in
habit a portion of Santiago, appear to take coming events more easy and
did not leave town in such great numbers. These Indians are a part of the
tribe that rendered Cortez efficient service in conquering Mexico. I know
not what part they have played in this Mexican war, but I have been in
formed that they do not amalgamate "with the Mexicans to a very great ex
tent ; that their municipal regulations are distinct from the rest of the city
and that they have a church of their own of the Catholic order, as no other
is tolerated by the Mexican constitution.

Saltillo was once the capital of a large district of country embracing
all of Coahuila, parts of New Leon and Durango. It is known on most of
the Mexican maps as Leona Vicario. The Mexicans would congregate here
for more than three hundred miles distant for the annual fiestas or feasts.
Tables would be set in the streets loaded with the richest luxuries that the
country afforded, and many a poor Mexican who was green in relation to
the customs of great crowds would sit down to eat and after filling himself
would rise and find his hat missing and his pockets picked.

Then there were mountebanks, card tables, bull fights and cock fights.
Bets were made to a considerable amount. Before they reached home
many of them would be robbed if not murdered. Cock fighting is still a
very great amusement with the Mexicans. Every Sunday afternoon there

142

are several fights at some of the cock pits at Saltillo and a great number of
Mexicans are always present with their pockets full of money to stake upon
the belligerents. They fight equal to Texas Rangers. One of the two com
batants is almost invariably killed, but this is partly owing to the fact that
their gaffs are unlike those made in the United States. Instead of being
made for piercing they are made like swords to cut and thrust so that they
will let out the entrails of an antagonist at one stroke. When there is any
probability of a game cock recovering from a wound great care is taken to
restore him, and for that purpose he is partly covered up with dirt to pre-
vet inflammation. Cock fighting is encouraged by some of the greatest men
in Mexico and from appearances I should judge that public opinion sanc
tions this amusement quite as much as horse racing was encouraged in
some parts of the United States.

Saltillo seems to be rather on the decline. Many of the buildings look
very old and are going to ruin. The streets are very narrow and paved
with small rocks that have been worn smooth by mules traveling over them.
The city is well watered by fountains on the plazas. The fountain-head
being on a hill above the city, the water can be conducted to any part of
it. The water never fails and is very useful, not only to the citizens at
Saltillo, but is used to irrigate the lands in the valley where the rain is not
sufficient for the growth of the crops. By this means some very fine fields
of corn are cultivated even in the rocky valley between Saltillo and Monte
rey. But this is not all the advantage of this mountain spring. There is a
cotton factory in the valley propelled by water from this spring. It is
owned by an English farmer, and although the Mexican laws are not fa
vorable to foreigners locating factories in their territory, the firm pays all
that the government exacts and still makes a handsome profit on the capi
tal invested.

It appears that the Mexican government has fallen into the same error
that has been practiced by many better nations and more civilized people.
This error is to make no distinction between the coarse and fine article.
The foreign manufacturer who locates here is required to pay a certain
amount on every piece he makes and to pay as much for the privilege of
manufacturing a coarse piece as a fine piece. This is the reason that they
cannot afford to sell their coarse goods at less than the fine. It is strange
that when a people copy anything from a more civilized nation, they al
most invariably copy the faults of that nation instead of something that
would be of more advantage.

The health of the Indiana volunteers is very good, as well as those
from Illinois and Arkansas that are encamped near here. On the 16th a
soldier was at the upper fountain for the purpose of watering two horses.
Two Mexicans rode up near him and lassoed him, at the same time taking
both of his horses and making their escape. The soldier lay upon the
ground senseless for some time and then got up and reached the quarters
of Colonel Churchill without being molested, but is very much bruised and
covered with blood. Two armed Mexicans were taken prisoners on the 17th
of January.

143

FIRST NEWS OF BUENA VISTA.

Indiana Sentinel, March 31,

We are indebted to the politeness of Lieutenant Love of the United
States Dragoons, who left Madison yesterday morning and arrived here
last night, for the Madison Banner of the 30th containing the following in
teresting news. The statements are meagre but may possibly be correct.
This is the battle, probably, of which we have had previous incoherent ru-
niors. The volunteers sustained themselves nobly against superior numbers.

A BLOODY BATTLE.

AMERICAN ARMS TRIUMPHANT.

SANTA ANNA'S ARMY CUT TO PIECES BY GENERAL TAYLOR.
LOSS OF COLONELS YELL, M'KEE, IIARDIN, CLAY, ETC.

From the New Orleans Picayune, the 23d.

We lay before our readers in advance of our regular publication the
glorious tidings from the army brought by the schooner John Bell. Our
reporter left the vessel in the river and came up to town by express with
the glad news. The following account was prepared for us by an officer of
the army, and it may be relied upon :

MEMORANDUM OF THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.

Prepared for the Editors of the Picayune by Lieutenant J. J. C. Bibb,

U. S. Army.

Dr. Turner, U. S. A., who arrived at Matamoros on the 9th from
Monterey, brought the glorious intelligence of another brilliant victory over
the Mexican army. The scene of action was at Buena Vista, a hacienda
about six miles west of Saltillo. The fighting commenced on the 22d of
February and ended on the 23d. Santa Anna retired to Agua Nueva, a dis
tance of ten miles, leaving 4,000 killed and wounded on the field. Santa
Anna's Adjutant-General and many other officers and men are prisoners.
The loss on our part was 700 killed and wounded. Santa Anna's force
amounted to at least 15,000 men. That of General Taylor to about 5,000,
almost entirely volunteers. His army is composed of Washington's,
Braggs's and Thomas's batteries; one squadron of the First and one of
the Second Dragoons; the Arkansas and Kentucky Cavalry; a brigade of
Illinois and one of Indiana Volunteers ; the First Mississippi and Kentucky
Regiments and one company of Texas Volunteers.

Dr. Turner brought a list of sixty-three officers killed and wounded.
1 left in such haste I was unable to obtain a copy, but recollect among the
killed Captain Lincoln, Assistant Adjutant-General U. S. A. ; Colonel Yell
of the Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Moore, Adjutant Vaughan and three
others not named of the Kentucky Cavalry; Colonel McKee, Lieutenant-
Colonel Clay, Captain Willis, Second Kentucky Infantry; Colonel Hardin
of the Illinois bridage ; Major Gorman and many of the Indiana brigade;
several of the Mississippi Regiment; two lieutenants of the Texas Volun
teers. Among the wounded I remember General Lane, Colonel Jefferson
Davis, First Mississippi Regiment ; Captain Stein, First U. S. Dragoons ;
Captain Conner, Texas Volunteers ; Lieutenants S. G. French and O'Brien,

144

U. S. Artillery ; Lieutenant Barber, Second Kentucky Infantry ; Lieutenant
Corwin, First Mississippi regiment; Lieutenant Whiteside of the Indiana
brigade. The official dispatches of General Taylor have been cut off.
Colonel Morgan's regiment of Ohio Volunteers, having been reinforced by a
command from Monterey, had reached that place in safety.

DISPATCHES FROM GENERAL TAYLOR,

Washington Union, April 1, 1847.

We have never published a number of the Union that was fraught with
more interesting papers than the present. Independently of the important
letter of the President and the admirable report of the Secretary of the
Treasury in reply, upon the duties to be levied upon imports into the ports
of Mexico, we lay before our readers the very interesting dispatches of
General Taylor. * * *

The dispatches from General Taylor were brought to the Secretary of
War by Mr. Crittenden, the volunteer aid of General Taylor. General Tay
lor's letters confirm the brilliant victory which was won by our arms at
Buena Vista. The loss of the enemy by battle is less than was originally
reported, though it is heavy indeed. Our loss is considerably less, though
it comprises some of the best and bravest men of our glorious army, made
up as it was mostly of volunteers, co-operating with some of the finest regu
lar troops in the world. But the loss of the Mexican army by starvation,
dissolution and disorganization is still more striking. General Taylor's
three dispatches are respectively dated February 24th and 25th and March
1st. They state in the General's usually laconic, modest and expressive
terms the beginning, end and some of the most important results of this re
markable battle. The most important of these results is the great loss of
the enemy, their retreat, partial and perhaps total dissolution, their fatal
disorganization, their utter incapacity to harass at this time our own troops
who returned to their original position at Agua Nueva. General Taylor has
sent a corps forward to harass him on the retreat and sieze his supplies.
The General further proposes to return to Monterey and reopen communi
cation between that town and the Rio Grande. The panic of the Mexican
marauders is calculated of itself, almost, to effect this object in a few days.
We cannot but again congratulate our country on this brilliant victory.
We subjoin a list of the killed and wounded of our army. The death of
these brave men affects every American heart with the keenest sympathy.
It is cypress interwoven with the laurel.

FROM GENERAL TAYLOR'S ('AMP.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
CAiir ON THE B.VTTI.F. FIELD,
BUENA VISTA, MEXICO, February 24, 1847.

The Adjutant-General of the Army. Washington. I). C.

SIR — I have the honor to report that, having become assured on tlu>
•JOth insl. that the enemy had assembled in a very heavy force at Encar-
ioii, thirty miles in front of Agua Xueva, with the evident design of at-

145

tacking my position, I broke up my camp at the latter place on the 21st
and took up a strong line in front of Buena Vista, seven miles south of
Saltillo. A cavalry force left at Agua Nueva for the purpose of covering
the removal of supplies, was driven in during the night and. on the morning
of the 22d the Mexican army appeared immediately in front of our posi
tion. At 11 o'clock a. m. a flag was sent, bearing from General Santa Anna
a summons of unconditional surrender, to which I immediately returned a
negative reply. The summons and my reply are herewith enclosed. The
action was commenced late in the afternoon between the light troops on the
left flank, but was not seriously engaged until the morning of the 23d,
when the enemy made an effort to force the left flank of our position and
an obstinate and sanguinary conflict was maintained with short intervals
throughout the day, the result being the enemy was completely repulsed
from our lines. An attack of cavalry upon the rancho of Buena Vista and
a demonstration upon the city of Saltillo itself, were likewise handsomely
repelled. Early in the night the enemy withdrew from his camp and fell
back upon Agua Nueva, a distance of twelve miles.

Our own forces engaged at all points in this action fell somewhat
short of 5,400 men, while that of the enemy, from the statement of General
Santa Anna, may be estimated at 20,000. Our success against such great
odds is a sufficient enconium on the good conduct of our troops. In a more
detailed report I shall have the satisfaction of bringing to the notice of the
Government the conspicuous gallantry of particular officers of the corps. I
may be permitted here, however, to acknowledge my great obligations to
Brigadier-General Wool, the second in command, to whom I feel particu
larly indebted for his valuable services on this occasion. Our loss has
been very severe and will not probably fall short of 700 men. The Mexican
loss has been immense. I shall take the earliest opportunity of forwarding
a correct list of the casualties of the day.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

ZACHARY TAYLOR,
Ma j. -Gen. U. S. A. Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF OCCUPATION,

AGUA XUEVA. March 1. 1847.

To the Adjutant-General. Washington. D. C.

SIR — I have the honor to report that the troops of my command oc
cupied their original camp at this place on the 27th of February, the last of
the Mexican army leaving the morning of that day in the direction of San
Luis. It is ascertained that the enemy is in full retreat in a very disorgan
ized condition, with the men deserting and dying of starvation in great
numbers. I dispatched a command this day as far as Encarnacion to
harass his rear and secure whatever military supplies may be found there.
On the statement of Mexican officers, particularly of the medical staff left
to succor the wounded, there seems to be no doubt that their loss in the
recent action is moderately estimated at 1.500 and may reach 2.000 men
killed and wounded, besides 2.000 or 8,000 deserters. Many officers of rank
were lost. I enclose a list of our own killed and wounded made as com-

10-18750

146

plete as practicable at this time. One regiment of Kentucky cavalry is not
yet included, its return not being rendered. * * *

The disposition made to harass our rear vindicated the policy and
necessity of defending a position in front of Saltillo where a defeat has
thrown the enemy far back into the interior. No result so decisive could
have been obtained by holding Monterey and our communications would
have been constantly in jeopardy.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obd't servant,

Z. TAYLOR,
Ma j. -Gen. U. S. A. Commanding.

List of names of the killed and wounded and missing of the Army of
Occupation in the battle of Buena Vista, February 23, 1847.

INDIANA VOLUNTEERS — BRIGADE STAFF.
Wounded — Brigadier-General Joseph Lane, slightly.

SECOND REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Killed — Captains T. B. Kinder, Win. Walker. Second Lieutenant
Thomas C. Parr. Sergeant McHenry Dozier, Company E. Privates, Fran
cis Bailey, Company A; Charles II. Goff, Company A; Warren Robinson,
Company A ; A. Stephens, Company A ; John Shoults, Company B ; J. Daf-
ferty, Company B ; A. Massey, Company B ; D. McDonald, Company B ; J.
T. Hardin, Company B ; M. Lee, Company D ; W. Richardson, Company D ;
J; H. Sladen, Company D ; W. Aiken, Company E ; J. B. D. Dillon, Com
pany E; II. Matthews, Company F; J. H. Wilson, Company F; H. Draper,
Company H; R. Jenkins, Company H; T. Price, Company H; R. Havritt,
Company I ; H. M. Campbell, Company I ; J. C. Higginbotham, Company
K ; A. Jenkins, Company K ; G. Chapman, Company K ; O. Lansburg, Com
pany K ; E. Wyatt, Company K ; T. Smith, Company K ; J. Teasley, Com
pany K.

Wounded — Captain W. L. Sanderson, slightly. First Lieutenant S.
W. Cayce, slightly. Second Lieutenants II. Peimington, slightly; D. S.
Lewis, slightly; Captain John Osborn, slightly; Second Lieutenant J.
Moore, slightly ; First Lieutenant J. Davis, slightly ; Second Lieutenant J.
A. Epperson, slightly; Corporal E. McDonald, Company B, badly; Ser
geant A. H. Potts, Company D, slightly ; Corporal D. C. Thomas, Company

D, badly; Musician A. M. Woods, Company D, slightly; Sergeants J. Ctir-
dthers, Company F, slightly; V. Vestal, Company F, slightly; Corporals J.
Bishop, Company F, slightly ; A. B. Carlton, Company F, slightly ; N. B.
Stevens, Company F, slightly; Sergeant P. D. Kelse, Company G, slightly;

E. Blalock, Company G, badly; Corporals T. Rawlins, Company G, slightly;
H. Wilson, Company H, severely; Privates T. Goen, Company F, slightly;
H. Mulvany, Company G, slightly; M. Queen, Company G, slightly; J. Mc-
Milton, Company G, slightly; W. Adams, Company H, severely; W. Bene-
fiel, Company H, severely; R. Colbert, Company H, severely; V. Swain,
Company H, severely ; J. Ingle, Company H, slightly ; A. Smith, Company

147

H, slightly; W. D. Wier, Company H, slightly; N. Rumley, Company I,
badly ; A. C. Farris, Company K, badly ; G. McKnight, Company K, slight
ly; G. Wilhart, Company K, slightly.

Missing — Privates J. Brown, Company B ; J. H. Harrison, Company B ;
W. Spaldiug, Company D ; B. Hubbard, Company I.

THIRD REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Killed— Captain J. Taggart. Privates J. M. Buskirk, Company A; W.
B. Holland, Company A ; D. J. Stout, Company A ; J. Armstrong, Company
C ; W. Hueston, Company D ; D. Owens, Company F ; W. C. Good, Com
pany F; J. Graham, Company G.

Wounded — Major W. A. Gorman, slightly; Captain J. M. Sluss, slight
ly ; V. Conover, slightly ; Corporal R. K. Nelson, Company A, slightly ; Pri
vates J. S. Levo, Company A, severely ; W. G. Applegate, Company A,
slightly; J. Y. Davis, Company A, slightly; J. W. Pullim, Company A,
slightly; J. Knight, Company A, slightly; Corporal J. Gringrich, Company

B, slightly; Privates J. Faulkner, Company B, dangerously; H. Hind, Jr.,
Company B, slightly; H. C. Hoyt, Company B, slightly; D. Coutor, Com
pany B, slightly; T. H. Boweu, Company B, slightly; J. Voight, Company

C, dangerously ; P. Lain, Company C, slightly ; M. Cole, Company C,
slightly; F. Aubke, Company C, slightly; A. Armstrong, Company C,
slightly; J. Orchard, Company C, slightly; G. Miller, Company C, slightly;
Corporal II. Torrauce, Company D, slightly; Privates T. Gustin, Company

D, severely: J. Hinkle, Company D, slightly; J. Roehat, Company D,
slightly ; E. Bright, Company D, slightly ; A. Merrill, Company D, slightly ;
Corporal E. Weddell, Company E, severely ; Privates J. Brown, Company E,
severely ; M. Mathias, Company E, severely ; S. Fred, Company E, slighty ;
J. G. Arter, Company E, slightly; S. Stuart. Company E, slightly; J. C.
Burton, Company F, seriously; O. Dyer, Company F, slightly; J. Inskeep,
Company F, slightly ; D. Hunter, Company F, slightly ; D. Cougheuower,
Company F, slightly; H. C. Ricker, Company F, slightly; Corporal J. S.
Wilson, Company F, slightly ; Privates J. Meek. Company G, seriously ; E.
Mace, Company G, slightly; J. Patterson, Company G, slightly; J. Cain,
Company G, slightly; R. Benson, Company H, severely; J. Kelley, Com
pany H, severely ; Sergeant W. Coombes, Company I, mortally ; Private M.
Conoway, Company I, slightly; Sergeants R. McGarver. Company K, se
verely; S. P. Turney, Company K, slightly; Privates J. Hervey, Company
C, seriously; M. Gray, Company K. slightly; S. Bradley. Company K, se
verely; Y. Foster, Company L, slightly.

W. S. S. BLISS.
Assistant Adjutant-General.

148 t
MEXICANS SHOET OF RATIONS AT BUENA VISTA.

Indiana Sentinel, April 7, 18!ft.

The following extract from a letter written by a Mexican officer at
San Luis Potosi shows the condition of the Mexican army:

"I am much afraid lest this cause (want of food) should disperse us
tonight, since the soldiers are already scattering and we have seen bodies
of them fighting and charging upon the enemy wherever they thought there
was water, caring for nothing; and we have seen them disputing among
themselves, totally indifferent to the fire of the enemy, for a piece of ham
found upon the dead Yankees. This night is a fearful one for the republic,
since I dread lest we should become disbanded. In conclusion, dear friend,
there now remains but little to be done because we have been pursuing the
enemy all day long with bayonets and tomorrow they will be finished.
They killed the horse of the General with a grape shot."

BAEBARITY OF THE ENEMY.

State Sentinel, April 10, 1847.

BUENA VISTA, February 28, 1847.
Dr. Livingstone Duulap.

MY DEAR FRIEND — The battle has been fought and the victory won. I
am happy in announcing the result, as it has been gained against an im
mense superiority of numbers. Particulars and details you will see in the
newspapers. * * *

This victory far surpasses any other in this war; in fact it has no
parallel on this continent and has placed the reputation of the volunteers
above the reach of all slander and calumny. It was a bloody day and many
a heart in Indiana will be stricken with sorrow when the news arrives, but
the gallant dead will be remembered by a grateful country.

The enemy were guilty of many acts of barbarity during the action
in killing our wounded and stripping and robbing the dead. Captain Kin
der, a noble and gallant young officer whom we all loved so well, had been
wounded severely early in the action and placed in a wagon to be carried
to the rear to have his wound dressed, but the escort was overtaken by the
lancers, and Kinder was, although wounded and unarmed, foully murdered
by those fiends, his pockets robbed and he was stripped and left in that
condition. How my heart bleeds at the recital and how I sympathize with
his parents. I know his father very well. I have little to say of myself.
Others will speak for me. General Lane has covered himself with immortal
honor. He was the only General who exposed himself in the thickest of the
fight, although General Taylor was at times exposed and actually received
two or three balls through his clothes. Santa Anna had with him his
choicest troops, the flower of the Mexican Republic.

General Lane was wounded early in the action by a musket ball
through the arm, the bone uninjured. He remained on the field all day
and refused to have it dressed until the battle was ended. No one would

149

have known lie was hurt but for the blood running down over his clothes.
He has been on duty every day since.

Remember uie to my friends and acquaintances and know me as ever.

Sincerely your friend,

A. L. ROBINSON.

LETTER FROM LEW WALLACE.

Indiana Sentinel, April 10, 1847.

CAMARGO, March 12, 1847.

FRIEND CHAPMAN — From the above date you may readily fancy us
"Up and at 'em, guards." The order for Saltillo direct came just in the
nick of time. Matamoros was becoming most infernally dull and as the
Mexicans had all "vamoosed el raucho." carrying with them every beautiful
cigarette smoker in the place. I might add, after the style of friend Watts,
most infernally tedious and tasteless, too. On Monday, the 8th inst., we
bundled up our duds, consisting of two checked shirts, one pair of socks,
etc., took possession of the cabin and decks of the steamer Whiteville and
puffed ourselves to Cainargo. landing in double quick time.

Colonel Curtis marched last Sunday for up country, where all is con
fusion, fighting, surprising and murdering. General Taylor has fought and
vanquished Santa Anna in a battle, which at the same time will
have a weighty and forcible argument for a speedy conclusion of the war,
will not leave a rag of popularity on the back of the one-legged hero of
San Jaciuto. Taylor went into the field with 4.500 volunteers at his back.
Santa Anna assailed him with 21,000 of the soldiers whom he has been
cultivating so long at San Luis. After a bloody contest of two days and
the greater part of one night the latter sounded retreat and hurried off his
military carriage for Agua Nueva. Four thousand Mexicans were left
unburied on the field, while 1,000 more have fallen prisoners of war into
the hands of the victor. A victory so great, so uuprecedentedly glorious,
could not have been purchased without loss on our side. Among the 700
heroes who were slain and wounded on that bloody day we who knew him
from infancy have to mourn the death of Captain Kinder. Poor Truss.
The glory which shall forever shine upon the field which was thy deathbed,
which shall reflect lustre upon thy name and fate, is but sorry consolation
for the loss this death inflicts upon his country and friends. Peace, though,
to his name. When we reach Saltillo we will mark his resting place and
save it from obliteration and disrespect. * * *

In conclusion, old fellow, the Hoosiers in Mexico have adopted a motto
and a battle cry, "Indiana Forever!'' Your friend,

LEW WALLACE.

150

HENDRICKS'S COMPANY, SIXTEENTH INFANTRY,
DEPARTS FOR THE WAR.

Madison Courier, April 10, 1847.

Captain Hendricks's company took its departure from this city last
Thursday evening amid the cheers of our citizens. It was a touching
scene to witness the sorrowful farewell of friends and kindred. This is
the third company that has been raised in our little city; by the way, we
may be permitted to say that Madison has produced more soldiers than
any place of its size in the United States.

A SOLDIER'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF
BUENA VISTA.

Madison Courier, April 10r 1847.

On the morning of the 22d, at 10 o'clock, we took our place in the
line on the hill commanding the pass. At the pass was posted the battery
of Captain Washington, consisting of five pieces of cannon. On our right
and rather in front, the Kentucky Volunteers, commanded by Colonel
McKee and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay, and on the left of the pass were
posted the Second Illinois and the Second Indiana, and on the extreme
left was the Mississippi regiment. Our two rifle companies and those of
the Second Indiana were upon the left. The Indiana Riflemen were under
the command of Major Gorman, as brave a little fellow as ever lived.
The Hoosiers commenced and finished the action, for the last discharge
was made by us. At night a part of the enemy came out to sieze upon
American wagons which lay disabled between us, but at the discharge of
fifty or sixty muskets they vanished. Next morning we were drawn up
in battle order, but the foe had fled. * * *

The Third Regiment Indiana Volunteers, you may rely on it, saved
the pass. Had we given away before the charge of the lancers and in
fantry all was lost. Our loss is severe in officers and men. Our regiment
suffered little, yet we have to mourn the loss of nine brave fellows killed
and fifty-six wounded. John Graham, a son of the Scotchman who lives
near Madison, was among the killed. Captain Ford has not lost a man.
He is well, and well did he act his part in the battle. Some of his com
pany are wounded, though none dangerously. James Siddell fought brave
ly. Mr. Hull is one of the most brave and cool fellows in the army. Ben
jamin Davidson, like a true-hearted Scotchman, if he was my brother I
would rather see him loading and firing as cool as he did than see him
head surgeon of the American Army. Our Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel
acted as if fighting had been their trade from childhood up. We received
the warmest thanks from General Taylor yesterday.

151

For the Indiana State Sentinel. «

OX THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN T. B. KINDEE, WHO
FELL AT THE BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.

By Mrs. Sarah T. Bolton.

There is a tear for all who die, —

A mourner o'er the humblest grave;
But nations swell the funeral cry

And triumph weeps above the brave. — Byron.

Sing a dirge full of woe

For the noble and gifted.
For his head lieth low

And his sword is mil if ted.
Sad requiems may swell

O'er the land that he cherished ;
Storied marbles may tell

Where the young hero perished.
We may blazon his name,

We may weep and deplore him;
We may give him to fame,

But we cannot restore him.

Gallant soldier, farewell ;

True, thy country has proved thee,
And thy memory will dwell

In the warm hearts that love thee.
They have made thee a grave

In the field of thy glory ;
They have written thee brave

On the pages of story.
And fair Freedom will come.

Her sad tribute to render
O'er the low, silent tomb

Of her gallant defender.

Thou did'st pass from our sight

In the hours of life's morning.
When thy pathway was bright

With hope's brilliant adorning.
In thy home, once so dear,

There is weeping and wailing:
But the sigh and the tear

Are alike unavailing ;
For the conflict is o'er

And life's ties are all riven.
We will meet thee no more

Till we meet thee in Heaven.

152
CAPTAIN' KINDER, SECOND REGIMENT.

State Journal, April 20, 1847.

We believe that Indianapolis is called upon to mourn the loss of but
one gallant spirit in the battle of Buena Vista, and that is Captain Kinder.
Honorable testimony is borne to his conduct in that engagement Late
accounts concur as to the manner of his death. He was wounded during
the early part of the day, and while being carried from the field of car
nage in a wagon was overtaken by a body of Mexican lancers, inhumanly
murdered, robbed and stripped of his clothing. He has thus been cut off
from his family and friends in the vigor and prime of manhood while
bravely defending the flag of his country. His noble bearing among his
comrades deserved a better fate than to be struck down without the
power of self-defense. Deeply do we commiserate his end and deeply do
the whole community sympathize with his bereaved parents. Ought not
the citizens here take some steps to bring him home and give his re
mains honorable burial?

DEATH OF CAPTAIN ROBERTS.

State Journal, April 20, 1847.

Captain J. H. Roberts of the Putnam Blues, Company H, First Indi
ana, died at Matamoros on the 10th of February last.

MARKLEY ASSIGNED TO SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.

Madison Banner, April 21, 1847.

John A. Markley, Esq., of this city, has been appointed by the Presi
dent a second lieutenant of infantry in the Sixteenth, one of the regiments
raised under the act of Congress of last winter. Mr. Markley is a young
man of good talents, of excellent character, and we have no doubt the
service will find in him an efficient officer.

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE
STATE OF INDIANA.

Whereas. By a communication from the Secretary of War, dated the
19th of the present month, which has this day been received, the under
signed is advised that the President of the United States has directed that
a volunteer force be accepted for the war with Mexico, in addition to that
already in service ; and.

Whereas, The undersigned is. by the said communication, requested
to cause to be organized in this State ten companies of infantry constitut
ing one regiment, to serve during the war with Mexico unless sooner dis
charged : the said troops to be clothed, subsisted, organized, armed,
equipped, officered, mustered and inspected into the service in conformity

153

with the rules and regulations contained in the annexed General Order,
as gathered from the aforesaid communication, and as enjoined by law;
and

Whereas, The brilliant victories which have already clowned the arms
of the United States during the present war are an earnest that its prompt
and energetic prosecution only is required to insure an early, a just and
an honorable peace.

Now, Therefore, I. James Whitcomb, Governor of the State of Indi
ana, in behalf of our common country, do hereby renew the invitation to
the brave, enterprising and patriotic citizens of our State to respond to
this call with all possible despatch by organizing themselves into volun
teer companies for the aforesaid service, and to report the fact of such or
ganization with the least practicable delay to the Adjutant-General of the
State. And in conformity with the suggestion of the Secretary of War
that a place of rendezvous be appointed on the Ohio river for the several
companies as fast as they shall be organized, the ground near or adjacent
to "Old Fort Clark," near Jeffersouville, on the south, is hereby desig
nated for that purpose.

(S. S.)

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed. Done at Indianapolis, the 24th
day of April, in the year of our Lord 1847. of the State the thirtieth, and
of the independence of the United States the seventy-first.

By the Governor,
JAMES WHITCOMB.

JOHN H. THOMPSON,
Secretary of State.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.

INDIANAPOLIS, April 24. 1847.
General Order No. 9.

For the information and government of the volunteers called for from
Indiana by the proclamation of the Governor of this State, and to save
the trouble and delay of correspondence, the following rules and regula
tions are hereby made known :

I. As the company only has the right under the laws of the State to
elect their captain, as well as other commissioned officers, no person need
to wait for a more special authority to raise a company. Should any one
raise a company in the hope of being its future cominandsint his success
will probably be considered by them as sufficient evidence of his standing
and fitness for the station. Still, the question must be left to the choice
of the company.

II. Each company will consist of 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 sec
ond lieutenant. 1 additional second lieutenant. 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2
musicians and 80 privates. Total, 94.

III. The regiment will consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel. 1
major, 1 adjutant (who will be lieutenant of one of the companies, but not

154

in addition), 1 sergeant-major, 1 quartermaster sergeant, 2 principal musi
cians and 10 companies.

IV. The Secretary of War writes, "As all the field and company offi
cers with volunteers taken into the service of the United States under the
act of 13th of May, 1840, must be appointed and commissioned in accord
ance with the laws of the States from whence they are taken, I beg to
suggest the extreme importance to the public service that the officers for
the additional force here requested be judiciously selected."

Enjoining, therefore, the necessary circumspection upon all who are
vested with the appointing power by the laws of the State, it will be borne
in mind that in accordance with those laws the officers above enumerated
are to be appointed and commissioned as follows:

1. The commissioned officers of each company are to be elected, after
the company is full, by a majority of the members present, at a time and
place agreed upon by a majority of the company; the result of the elec
tions to be certified by three judges of the election, and attested by the
clerk thereof, who are all to be elected by a majority of the members
present for that purpose, and the judges are to be sworn by the clerk, or
in his absence by one of their own number, before going into the election
of the military officers. The certificate is to be forwarded to the Adju
tant-General of the State in order that the Governor may issue the com
missions without delay.

The elections may be held as soon as the company is full, without
waiting ten days, provided the time and place be agreed upon by a ma
jority of the company, and all the members have due notice thereof.

2. Non-commissioned officers of the company are to be nominated by
the members and appointed by the captain thereof.

3. The Secretary of War states that "Should the number of compa
nies here called for be raised, they will be at once organized into a regi
ment and your Excellency is requested to commission the field and com
pany officers. It may become necessary to order the several companies to
the scene of action as fast as they are raised and mustered into service,
in which case they could be organized into battalions and regiments on
reaching the place of destination."

V. The commissioned officers of the regiment will be elected after the
same is full by the officers and men thereof, in conformity with the laws
of the State, the requirements of which, and all other necessary particu
lars, will in due time be communicated through the medium now adopted.

VI. The regimental staff above named will be appointed by the
Colonel. Principal and assistant surgeons, quartermasters, commissaries
and paymasters are appointed, when needed, only by the President.

VII. The different companies, as they reach the place of rendezvous
(which is at "Old Fort Clark," near Jeffersonville) will there be inspected
and mustered into service by one or more officers of the United States
Army, "who (in the language of the Secretary of War) will, in every
case, be instructed to receive no man who is, in years, apparently over
forty-five or under eighteen, or who is not of physical strength and vigor.
To this end the inspector will be accompanied by a medical officer of the
army and the volunteers will be submitted to his examination.

155

VIII. Volunteers will be furnished their own clothing, for which pur
pose the law allows to each non-commissioned officer, musician and private
three dollars and fifty cents per month during the time he shall be in the
service of the United States. To enable the volunteers to provide them
selves with good and sufficient clothing the clothing pay for six months
(twenty-one dollars) will be advanced to each nou-conimissioued officer,
musician and private, after being mustered into service, "but only with
the express condition," as communicated by the Secretary, "that the volun
teer has already furnished himself with six months' clothing — the fact to
be certified to the paymaster by the captain of the company ; or, that the
amount thus advanced shall be applied under the supervision of his cap
tain to the object contemplated by law. In this latter case the advance
commutation for clothing will be paid on the captain's certificate that he
is satisfied it will be so applied."

IX. The volunteers on their arrival at the place of rendezvous will be
furnished with quarters, camp equipage, fuel, cooking utensils and subsist
ence by the United States.

The less baggage of any kind (except suitable clothing) that can be
taken from home to the place of rendezvous, the better for the soldier, as
the United States will furnish all necessary articles of. the kind at that
point, and those taken (at least if not of the proper description) will not
be paid for by the United States. As in that case they would be cast
aside, they will be a useless expense.

X. Arms, accoutrements and ammunition will also be furnished to
the several companies by the United States.

XI. Besides the monthly pay in case each non-commissioned officer,
musician and private who may serve during the present war or who shall
have been discharged before the expiration of his time of service, in con
sequence of wounds received or sickness incurred in the course of such
service, will be entitled to a bounty of 160 acres of land, to be located by
the volunteer, or by his heirs, at any land office of the United States he
or they may choose, or instead of the land, he may, if he desires it, re
ceive a treasury scrip for one hundred dollars, bearing an interest of six
per cent, per annum, payable half-yearly.

XII. In respect to subsistence before arriving at the place of ren
dezvous and for traveling home from the place of discharge, the allow
ance is fifty cents for every twenty miles distance, to be paid by the
United States, but not until after the volunteer is received into the
service.

XIII. The proper officers of the staff departments of the United
States will be immediately sent to the place of rendezvous with funds to
defray the necessary expenses which may be incurred, agreeably to law.

XIV. It will be recollected that under the general orders of last year
the companies composing the three regiments then raised in Indiana were
accepted in the order in which they were reported, and that after thirty
companies had been so accepted divers other companies were reported,
whose services the commauder-in-chief was with great regret compelled to
decline for the reason that the limited number called for by the United
States had already been supplied. By the 6th article of the fifth general

156

order, dated June 15th, 1846, it was stated that "should the honor or in
terests of the country occasion another and similar call on the citizen sol
diers of Indiana the companies subsequently reported will be entitled to
the preference, should they still desire it." To enable all such companies
to avail themselves of such preference this General Order, with the Execu
tive Proclamation, will be transmitted by mail to the commandants there
of, who are not known to be absent. In case of their absence it will be
transmitted to some public-spirited citizen of the proper county, who is
hereby requested to place the same in the hands of the highest officer of
the company wiio may be found willing to engage in the service. Should
any of the men who attached themselves to the company last year be ab
sent or decline to engage in the service, it will, of course, be allowable, to
fill their places with fresh recruits.

XV. The companies referred to in the next preceding section desir
ous of engaging in the service will be received in the order in which they
were reported last year, if they are reported within a reasonable time,
otherwise others and fresh companies may be allowed the preference.

XVI. It is very desirable therefore that the undersigned be informed
forthwith, on behalf of any company formerly reported, of the receipt of
this General Order and of the probability of such company being filled and
reported, and at what probable time.

XVII. A supplemental order will be shortly issued recommending a
suitable uniform, and of what kind (the procuring of which, however, had
better be deferred until the company arrives at the place of rendezvous)
with such particulars as may be deemed important for the efficiency and
welfare of the volunteers.

The Commander-in-Chief entertains the fullest confidence that the
feelings of patriotism natural to the bosom of every American and the
superior inducements now held out to the citizen soldiers of Indiana over
those which were extended to their brethren in arms who so promptly en
gaged in the service last year, will cause them to sieze with alacrity the
present occasion (most probably the last that will be offered to them dur
ing the present war) of rallying to the standard of their country and of
nobly distinguishing themselves in its service.

By order of the Governor and Cominander-in-Chief.

D. REYNOLDS.
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

RECEPTION TO VOLUNTEERS.

Lawrenceburg Register, April 2'f, Irt.'i7.

The citizens of Lawrenceburg and vicinity are requested to meet at
the court house this evening, April 24, at 7 o'clock, to make some prelimi
nary arrangements for a grand reception and barbecue to be given to the
Indiana volunteers on their return from the wars.

This is a matter that every Indianian ought to feel an interest in.
The object of the meeting tonight is to form committees of correspondence
and arrangements so that a general invitation can be offered to the boys on

157

their arrival at New Orleans and that a grand feast may be prepared for
them on their arrival at home in honor of their noble deeds in their coun
try's struggle on the field of carnage. Arrangements will be made for the
transportation of the Shelby boys to their homes from this, place, and we
shall expect all their friends to join in the general glorification.

MURDERED AT SALTILLO.

Madison Courier, April 24, 1847.

We learn that Mr. William P. Green, son of George Green, of this
county, was inhumanly murdered at Saltillo some time since by a party of
Mexicans. Green and a young man by the name of Edwards were out
grazing their horses together when a number of Mexicans rushed from
their place of concealment and inflicted severe wounds with a bowie knife
on their persons. Green received six stabs.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS. April 27. 1847.
General Order No. 10.

I. No company of volunteers contemplated by the proclamation of the
present month will mnreh to the place of rendezvous unless at his own risk
until reported to and accepted by the undersigned; which acceptance will
be promptly communicated by letter.

II. As already stated, the companies which were reported too late,
and whose services were therefore declined last year, are entitled to be
received, under the present call, in the order in which they were then
reported, should they still insist upon such preference.

III. As those companies were raised at unequal distances from this
point it is impracticable to fix any precise time within which they are
required to report themselves to the undersigned, a reasonable time will be
allowed for that purpose, necessarily subject, however, to the provisions of
the following section :

IV. Should the time which may be hereafter indicated from the War
Department, or other proper authority, for the volunteers to march to the
place of rendezvous, not admit of waiting longer to receive a tender of
service from any company reported last year, then the first ten companies,
whether old or new. which are found reported at the latest period neces
sary for them to reach the place of rendezvous will be preferred and con
sequently accepted.

V. From the foregoing and from the fact that great expedition is
necessary, it will be seen that while there is encouragement held out to
raise entirely new companies, it is of the utmost importance to the old
companies desirous of availing themselves of the preference now offered to
them to notify the undersigned of their readiness with the least possible
delay.

158

VI. In relation to clothing : a dress or parade uniform is never re
quired in actual service, and doubtless would not be used by either officer
or private of the present regiment during their term, even if procured. To
purchase such would therefore be a useless expense. A service uniform
only is necessary. It is recommended (not required) that for neatness
and comfort it consist of a grey mixed, or blue jeans hunter's frock coat
and pantaloons, without straps, the coat reaching half way down the thigh,
double-breasted, double row of white metal buttons, eagle stampted or
black mould, made to button close around the throat. The same material
will answer for all the officers, only the sergeants to wear white worsted
epaulets on each shoulder, and the pants to have a white or red worsted
stripe one and one-half inches wide down the sides ; the corporals to wear
epaulets without the stripes; the orderly sergeant to be distinguished by
a red worsted sash on duty, and the commissioned officers to have a single
instead of a double row of buttons on the front of the coat.

VII. No more will be needed for each man than two uniform suits,
two pairs stout shoes with broad and thick soles, a comfortable hat suit
able for a southern climate, a forage cap, two cotton shirts, two flannel
shirts, two pairs of drawers, four pairs of stockings, one good blanket, and
if convenient, an overcoat is considered desirable. All these articles can
doubtless be procured in any desirable quantity, and made to order on rea
sonable terms, at or near the place of rendezvous, where, as has already
been remarked, the funds will be furnished by the United States to enable
the volunteers to procure them.

By order of the Commander-in-Chief.

D. REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

DEATHS IN THE ARMY.

Indiana Sentinel, April 28, 1847.

We have a very interesting letter from Lieutenant Van Buren of the
regular army, who, it will be recollected, recruited an excellent corps of
dragoons in this vicinity, which our limits forbid immediate insertion.
We will endeavor to give the whole or a part soon. As, however, it may
tend to relieve the anxiety of friends of the soldiers, we make room for
the following list of deaths, etc., in the regiment of mounted riflemen,
since December, 1846. Companies E, G and K were recruited in Indiana.

Died- — T. M. Davis, Company A; Corporal Gillingham, Company B;
James Langford, Company D ; H. K. Rice, Company E ; J. C. Scott, Com
pany E ; J. M. Scott, Company E ; Orin Huntress, Company E ; John Dale,
Company E ; James Limes, Company E ; Lewis Bryan, Company E ; F. P.
Newton, Company E ; James Douglass, Company E ; T. E. Limper, Com
pany F; H. H. Carter, Company G; H. Wherdered, Company G; Benja
min Jolley, Company G; J. Sparks, Company H; W. P. Wicks, Company
H; W. Adertenn, Company H; James L. Pierce, Company K; Jessup M.
Smith, Company K; Dennis Lairy, Company K; J. E. Henson, Company
K ; Josiah Hollo well, Company K.

Killed — T. Cunningham, Company A, near Buena Vista, March llth.

159

Wounded — Thomas Weller, Company B, in a skirmish near Vera Cruz,
March llth; H. Neal, Company B, March llth; Sergeant W. B. Lane,
Company D, in a skirmish on Jalapa Road, March 4th; J. Turluna, Com
pany E, in a skirmish on Jalapa Road, March 24th ; F. Wasson, Company
C, same place and date. All doing well.

Wasson had three fingers cut off in resisting an attempt of two Mexi
cans to wrest his rifle from him. He received two cuts with a sabre, the
first taking off the ends of his fingers, the next taking them off closer to
his hand. He would not give up his rifle but with his life.

MAJOR- GORMAN AT HOME.

Louisville Democrat, April 29, 1847.

Major Gorman of the Third Indiana, of whom honorable mention
is made in General Taylor's dispatches, was in the city yesterday. He re
ceived two wounds, besides being badly hurt by the fall of his horse, shot
under him. He gives a glowing description of the charge made by the
Kentucky cavalry, which saved him and his command from destruction.
The meeting of the Mexican Lancers and Lieutenant Field's command,
when the two commands advanced upon each other in mortal combat, Ma
jor Gorman describes in graphic colors.

Major Gorman has a complimentary furlough for the remainder of
his term of service ; he, however, intends to return.

PRIVATE DAVIDSON PROMOTED.

Madison Courier, May 1, 1847.

WTe learn with pleasure that our fellow citizen, Dr. Benjamin K. Da
vidson, who went as a private in Captain Sullivan's company, has received
the appointment of surgeon in the United States Army. A better appoint
ment could not have been made.

Madison Courier, May 1, 1847.

SONG OF THE INDIANA RIFLEMEN AT THE BAT
TLE OF BIJENA VISTA.

By John O. Dunn. Asst. Surgeon, U. S. A.

Up, up the wild mountain —

Up, up to the fight !
Hark ! the bugle of war

Sounds far o'er the height.

The foe is above us —

In thousands they gorge
The time-crumbled cliffs.

Yet on to the charge.

160

Though few be our numbers,

Our rifles so dread
Shall people the mountain

With wounded and dead.

Ram, ram the dread cartridge,

Aim dead at the foe —
The cheers of our brethren

Resound from below.

Fire ! fire ! how they tumble —

Shout, shout for the State,
Whose young bosom sent thee

To war with the great!

Let her arms shine unsullied,

Her glory be bright —
For she opened the battle,

She ended the fight!

BUENA VISTA, March 2, 1847.

This Rifle Battalion was commanded by Major W. A. Gorman, Second
Regiment, who was wounded in said battle, and who is now in this city.
— From the ~New Orleans Delta.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOURTH REGIMENT.

Indiana Sentinel, Mai/ 9, 1847.

Six companies have already reported to the Adjutant-General as being
nearly full, and by the time this is read others may be received. They are
all filling up in an incredibly short space of time and, notwithstanding labor
is in great demand and the season exceedingly busy, we have no doubt but
that a half a dozen regiments could be promptly raised. Those boys who
wish to be accepted must hurry or many will be disappointed.

LETTER FROM A SOLDIER OF THE SECOND REGI
MENT.

Indiana ticntincl, May 9, 1847.

BUENA VISTA, MEXICO, March 13, 1847.

I wrote you a short account of the battle we fought at this place, but
did not give you all the particulars. I wish now to give the people of
Indiana a few facts connected with it in order to vindicate the Second
Indiana from unmerited disgrace. They commenced the battle on the
morning of the 23d in as fine a style as any body of troops on earth could,
and fought as bravely until 11 o'clock, when they retreated in confusion
and a part of them could not be afterward rallied. They mustered on the
field much less than 400 men and were opposed, at the time they gave way,

161

to at least 4,000 Mexican troops and exposed to the fire of one of the ene
my's batteries at the same time. This state of things would not have jus
tified thorn in retreating, nor was it the reason they did so.

They were manfully maintaining their ground against all the immense
odds and Brigadier-General Lane had ordered the battery on their right to
take an advanced position with a view of bringing the regiment closer to
the enemy that their fire might be more effective. Before his aid-de-camp
had time to return from delivering the order to advance to the battery and
while he was still waiting for his return in order to give the necessary
orders for advancing the troops, they gave way on the right and in a few
minutes the whole line was in full retreat. This unfortunate circumstance
was very near losing us the victory and costing the lives of the whole
army, for it has since been ascertained that Santa Anna had given orders
to take no prisoners, and it has covered the regiment and the State with
disgrace. This odium must be removed and the establishment of one fact
is sufficient to do it. THEY WERE ORDERED TO RETREAT BY THEIR
COLONEL.

Colonel William A. Bowles, the Colonel of that regiment, had acted
during the fight in a way but little calculated to inspire his men with
confidence in his bravery. He dismounted as soon as the firing commenced
and endeavored to shield himself by staying immediately in the rear of
his troops with his horse between him and the enemy's battery and while
the men were fighting as bravely as men ever fought and no one thinking
of retreating he gave the order to "Cease firing and retreat."

This led to a disorderly flight and some few of the men could not be
induced again to join the troops and continue the fight Two-thirds or
three- fourths of the regiment, however, were rallied by their officers and
fought bravely throughout the rest of the action, which continued until
night.

The odium of this retreat should not attach to the men who retreated,
but to the officer who gave the order. Had they not obeyed it they would
have boon guilty of one of the gravest military offenses and justly liable to
severest punishment.

INTERESTING TO VOLUNTEERS.

Mate Journal, Hay 11, 1847.

In inserting the following General Order providing for the settlement
of claims of discharged volunteer soldiers for bounty land or Treasury
scrip, we are requested to .invite attention to its provisions. As the just
claims of volunteers can only be established and settled on furnishing the
requisite evidence in such cases the volunteer officers should make them
selves fully acquainted with the regulation and be governed accordingly.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.

WASHINGTON. April 22, 1847.
General Orders No. 18.

I. In order to secure without delay or inconvenience to the volunteer
soldier who shall receive an honorable discharge, or who shall have been
11-18750

162

killed or died of wounds (or his heirs, etc.. as the case may he), a bounty
land or Treasury scrip provided by the 9th section of this act, February
11, 1847, it is necessary that the following instructions be duly observed by
the officers concerned :

II. Volunteers mustered out of service on the expiration of their
term. The rolls for this purpose must contain all the names which have
been borne on the previous muster-rolls from the first or the one mustered
into service, including all who have died, been discharged or have deserted
since the enrollment of the company with appropriate remarks opposite the
name of each respectively. All absentees must be satisfactorily accounted
for by explanations recorded in the column of remarks. This roll contain
ing the information above required will be prepared and completed at the
time the company may be discharged and be forwarded by the officer
charged with mustering it out of service, directed to the Adjutant-Gen
eral's Office, War Department, endorsed : "For the Commissioner of Pen
sions, Bounty Land Bureau." The roll will only vary from the ordinary
muster roll used for the payment of pensions by the addition of the names
of all who have died, been captured, discharged or have deserted since the
date of muster into service.

III. Individual discharge of volunteers before the expiration of their
term in consequence of wounds received or sickness incurred in the course
of service.

The certificate of disability and discharge in such cases will be given
in duplicate and must, in every instance, set forth the origin and nature of
the wound received or sickness incurred in the course of the service agree
able to the established printed form dated April 22, 1847. One copy of this
certificate will be forwarded by the officer signing the discharge of the vol
unteer soldier, direct to the Adjutant-General of the army, endorsed : "For
the Commissioner of Pensions, Bounty Land Bureau."

IV. The Commissioner of Pensions, under the direction of the Secre
tary of War, being charged by law with the business of investigating the
claims for bounty land, etc., provided by the munificence of the Govern
ment, commanders of volunteer regiments and companies will see the neces
sity of preparing and forwarding, as herein required, the requisite muster-
roll or certificate, as the case may be, having the necessary evidence of
service and of honorable discharge to enable a faithful volunteer, or his
heirs, to receive from the War Department the certificate or warrant for
the bounty of 100 acres or a Treasury scrip for $100 as provided by the
law.

V. The "Surgeon's certificate of ordinary disability" in cases of in
valid soldiers of the regular army will hereafter be forwarded in dupli
cate, one of which to be endorsed, "For the Commissioner of Pensions,
Bounty Land Bureau."

By order of

R. JONES,
Adjutant-General,

163
GENERAL LANE FLANKS COLONEL BOWLES.

Indiana Sentinel, May 12,

BUENA VISTA. March 29. 1847.

EDITOR SEXTINEL — I must give you a few lines. Several days after the
battle General Lane learned from several persons that Colonel Bowles
gave the order to retreat and that he was guilty of unsoldierlike conduct
on the day of the battle. General Lane preferred charges against him and
sent them on to General Taylor, who had gone to Monterey. General Tay
lor refused to order a court-martial, but stated that Colonel Bowles could
have a court of inquiry // he desired it. Every reasonable man exacted
that he would lose no time in calling .for a court of inquiry, but they were
disappointed. The Colonel chose rather to take the say so of General Tay
lor than to have the whole tacts come out. As soon as General Lane saw
that Colonel Bowles would not call for a court of inquiry he demanded a
court of inquiry to investigate his own conduct, stating that some one was
to blame for the retreat of the Second Regiment, and if any blame was to
be attached to him the world should know it. and the regiment should not
suffer on his account, and I have no fears as to the result. The conduct
of General Lane will receive that praise which he rightly merits because
the facts will come out. No one accuses General Lane of any improper
conduct on the day of the battle. His bravery is generally admitted. I
think it will be shown that General Wool did not make a correct report
in relation to the Second Regiment, but this may not have been the fault
of General Wool. Perhaps he was misinformed. Yours, etc..

GENERAL TAYLOR COMPLIMENTS FIRST IN
DIANA.

"Campaign in Mexico," Isaac Reid. P'irst Indiana. May, 1847.

On the 24th of May the Second and Third Indiana regiments left
Bnena Vista for New Orleans. Before leaving the encampment the regi
ments were formed in line, when General Wool delivered a short address
and bade them adieu.

The First Indiana Regiment left Monterey on the same day. when the
following correspondence was read :

CAMP XEAR MOXTEREY, MEXICO. May 22, 1847.

Major-General Z. Taylor, Commanding, etc. :

DEAR SIR — In pursuance to your order I will, on the morning of the
24th inst. put my command in motion for the United States to be mustered
out of the service at New Orleans. I cannot leave the service without ex
pressing to yon for myself and the troops under my command our pro
found gratitude for the very kind and courteous treatment we have re
ceived at your hands. Permit me to assure you that when we change the
life of a soldier for that of a citizen we shall each and all cherish towards
you attachments which time can never efface. We feel a great regret that
we had not the honor of participating with you in the glorious battles

164

which you have so nobly won since we have been in the field. Hoping that
a like h.rilliant career awaits your future life that has crowned your last
year's operations. 1 have the honor to subscribe myself.

Your very obedient servant.

J. P. DRAKE, Colonel,

First Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS. ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
CAMP NEAR MONTEREY, MEXICO. May 22. 1847.
Colonel J. 1*. Drake:

DEAR SIR — Your very acceptable letter of this morning was this mo
ment handed me. For the approbatory terms in which you have been
pleased to speak on your own. as well as on the part of your regiment, of
the existing relations between us. as well as the kind feelings which will
be carried and cherished towards me on your return to civil life, when on
the eve of separating and returning to your homes, in consequence of the
expiration of your term of service with the government, has created feel
ings which are difficult to express, but which are highly gratifying as well
as duly appreciated. I regret that it was not your good fortune as well as
your excellent regiment, to have participated in one. at least, of the hard-
fought battles which have taken place since our arrival in Mexico, know
ing as I do your and their great anxiety to have done so ; in which case I
am satisiied you would not only have acquired fame and honor for your
selves, but for your State and the country ; but circumstances over which
you had no control prevented it. All must know who are in the slightest
degree acquainted with military operations in carrying on a war in an ene
my's country, oven1 long lines from the base of operations, which has been
our case, that a considerable portion of the troops employed must be en
gaged in guarding depots, keeping open lines of communications, escorting
trains, etc.. which duties are as .important, arduous and dangerous as the
duties of those who may be engaged in battle, each depending upon the
other to insure success, therefore equally honorable to all concerned; and
1 can bear ample testimony to the zeal and ability with which the First
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers discharged most of the duties referred to.
also many others, as well as the fortitude with which they bore up under
disease so common and so much to be dreaded by citizen soldiers on their
first entering the service, especially when suddenly transferred' from a
northern to a southern climate, more by far than the balls and bayonets of
the enemy; also your great desire to be in the advance; all of which is the
very best evidence had you come in collision with the enemy you would
have done your duty and the honor of our flag and our country been safe
in your keeping.

Be assured. Colonel, you will carry with you my best wishes for a
quick and safe journey to your homes, a happy meeting with your family
and friends, as well as continued health and prosperity through life.

With considerations of great respect and esteem, I remain.
Truly and sincerely your obedient servant,

Z. TAYLOR,
Major-General U. S. Army.

165
FIRST INDIANA LEAVES MOXTEREV FOR HOME.

"Campaign in Mexico" Isaac Reed, First Indiana. Mat/. 184"?.

The First Indiana Regiment proceeded with a large train in the direc
tion of Camargo. As we passed along the serpentine route we beheld for
the last time the many crosses at Agua Frio. the fatal spot where the de
fenseless wagoners were murdered ; the ruins of Ramos and Corristos. and
the thousand peaks and ridges of the Sierra Madre. We arrived at Camar-
go on the 28th of May. On the 29th we crossed the San Juan and pro
ceeded to San Francisco, on the Rio Grande, by moonlight. Here we met
Major Talbott of the Sixteenth Infantry and three or four companies. On
the 30th the regiment embarked on the Corvette and Troy, and on the 3d
of June arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande. On the 4th the regiment
proceeded to Brazos Santiago, and on the oth sailed for New Orleans on
the schooners Sarah Jane and Desdemona and the brig Fidelia. The only
new troops left on the line of the Rio Grande and the Sierra Madre were
the Massachusetts. Mississippi. Virginia and North Carolina regiments.
Texas Rangers. Sixteenth Infantry and a company of dragoons. After a
very pleasant voyage the First Regiment arrived at New Orleans on the
10th and llth of June.

On arriving at the Crescent City the Jews, slopshop keepers, and land
speculators were among the first to call upon us. The Jews and slops im
portuned our patronage and wearied our patience by rehearsing the un
paralleled cheap bargains that could be obtained at their stores. The land
speculators were eloquent in their descriptions of the great difficulties in
procuring land warrants, as though the legal process was only exceeded in
intricacy by the mathematical calculations of the number of square inches
in the moon, or the aggregate weight of the. flying fish in the gulf. But
these land sharks were so patriotic and so benevolent that they would, for
the sake of our accommodation, pay us $63 for each claim of 100 acres of
land, and run the risk of figuring out the complicated question before the
world should come to an end. Colonel Drake. Lieutenant-Colonel Lane.
Major Donaldson and all the company officers very properly discouraged
such a sacrifice of claims. In order to prevent the speculators from suc
ceeding Lieutenant F. L. Maddox, of the Fountain Riflemen, voluntarily
agreed to procure the warrants for all of that company without charging
any fee. Lieutenant M. afterward redeemed his pledge, for which he is
entitled to our gratitude.

VOLUNTEERS TO BE AVELCOMED HOME.

Madison Courier. Mail 15.

It has now been nearly a year since the volunteers from Madison left
for Mexico and their time will have expired in the course of a few weeks.
when we have no doubt they will return home without delay. From all
accounts it appears that they, together with their fellow soldiers of the
Third Regiment, have faithfully discharged the duties devolving upon
them as American soldiers. The only battle they have had the privilege
of participating in was that of liueiia Vista, and on that occasion their

166

conduct was such as would be an honor to any State. Gallantly has each
company redeemed the promises made to the ladies of Madison on the
presentation of their flags to carry them into the thickest of the battle and
defend them at the point of the bayonet. No doubt the ladies will in a
short time have the same flags returned to them, battered by the breeze
and pierced by the musket balls of the enemy as they are, without the least
stain of cowardice imprinted upon them.

But it is not our intention to eulogize the many deeds of valor and
renown of our volunteers; \ve wish to impress upon the mind of the citi
zens of the short time that it will be ere our friends now in Mexico will
return, and when they do return we desire that they receive a cordial greet
ing, not by meeting them at the river and giving them a dry shake of the
hand, but propose calling a meeting at the court house next Saturday for
the purpose of devising some way of giving them a warm reception. We
would suggest the propriety of giving a free barbecue, inviting all of the
surrounding country to participate with us on the occasion. We, by this
means, can assure our volunteers that we appreciate the manner in which
they have conducted themselves since they left us. and that we welcome
them back with grateful hearts.

FILLING UP THE NEW REGIMENTS.

Madison Courier, May 15, 1847.

Captain Smith arrived in this city on Wednesday last from Lake
County, in this State, with one hundred and eight volunteers for the Mexi
can War. They are the bone and sinew of the land, if we are any judge.

COLONEL BOWLES.

State Journal, May 18, ISJfl.

The Evausville Journal of Tuesday the 4th hist., speaking of charges
preferred by some of the officers of the Second Regiment of Indiana against
Colonel Bowles, quotes the following from a correspondent in the army:

"The charges against Colonel Bowles having been forwarded by Gen
eral Wool to General Taylor for his sanction, answer has been returned
that he will not entertain the charges nor order a court martial in the case
because General Wool's and Colonel Davis's reports of the battle both eulo
gize him. Though a court martial is refused the matter will not rest so.
General Lane has obtained a court of inquiry into his conduct on that
day in order that the facts connected with the whole matter may then be
brought to light."

ORDERS No. 295.

HEADQUARTERS, BUENA VISTA, May 23, 1847.

The departure of the Second and Third Regiments tomorrow under
orders for New Orleans, there to be discharged from their military en
gagements, makes it necessary and proper for the General commanding

167

at the time of terminating the relations which have existed between him
self and these troops, to say a few words in relation to the subject con
nected with their conduct in the battle of Buena Vista, in which the
greater part have done such good service. He feels that the moment of
parting is not the time to look with a severe eye on the misconduct of a
portion of those troops whose companions have . merited and will receive
the credit which a grateful people always yield to brave men; and the
recent legal investigations cause him much to regret that a fault of 'judg
ment in an individual at a critical moment should have been the means
of casting a deeper shade than was deserved upon that portion of the
Second Regiment who have been censured. He feels confident that time
and justice, which sooner or later regulate all the affairs of men, will
single out and discriminate the bad from the good and give to the latter,
without qualification, the credit which is due them.

The General regrets deeply that he is to lose the valuable services of
Brigadier-General Lane, whose integrity and zeal and close attention to
all the requisitions of the service have been so much aid to him in the
discharge of his duties and whose gallant conduct in the field has gained
for him the esteem and confidence of every one.

In wishing him and his officers and men a safe journey home, the
General bids them adieu.

By command of Brigadier-General Wool.

iRVix MCDOWELL. A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, May 31, 1847.
General Orders No. 12.

I. The Governor and Commander-in-Chief takes great pleasure in an
nouncing to all concerned that on yesterday the ten companies of infantry
called for from Indiana, through the communication from the Secretary of
War of the 19th ultimo, had been reported to this office and their services
duly tendered and accepted for the existing war between the United States
and Mexico, and the companies respectively ordered to march to the place
of rendezvous.

II. Several other companies are known to be in progress of organi
zation and some were on the eve of being reported at the time the regi
ment was filled. The Conmiander-in-Chief is. with regret, compelled to de
cline the services of all such, in consequence of the requisition being al
ready complied with, as above stated.

III. The following are the companies reported, and the order in point
of time, in which they were accepted, viz. : Captains J. M. Wallace's, W.
T. Baldridge's. E. Landers's. J. W. Crook's, J. I. Alexander's, W. W.
McCoy's, M. Fitzgibbons's, E. Dumont's. D. Lunderman's and L. Cochran's.

IV. Should the commandant of any accepted company discover that
he will be unable to march his company organized- and full to the place of
rendezvous, he will immediately report such expected inability to the un
dersigned, in order that the first subsequently reported company may be

168

assigned to the vacancy without delay. The importance of a prompt ob
servance of this rule must be manifest to all.

V. Unavoidable obstacles will prevent the Commander-in-Chief from
repairing (as he anxiously desired) to the place of rendezvous for the pur
pose of aiding in the final organization of the regiment, of taking early
steps for filling the place of any absent company, and generally of consult
ing the comfort and welfare of the troops. These duties will, however, be
carefully attended to by the undersigned, who will, for that purpose, re
pair to Jeff ersonvi lie by the 5th prox., after which time all military cor
respondence should be addressed to him at that point.

By order of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief,

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel. Mai/ >>, JN//7.

Pursuant to previous notice a public meeting was held at the court
house on Wednesday evening to make arrangements for receiving the vol
unteers on their return. On motion G. A. Chapman was called to the chair
and the object of the meeting being stated, it was, on motion of Hon.
W. W. Wick, resolved that a committee of seven be appointed by the chair
to prepare a system of arrangements and report at an adjourned meeting.

The chair appointed the following gentlemen : Hon. W. W. Wick,
Thomas M. Baker, Andrew Smith, Thomas M. Smith. Dr. L. Dunlap, Basil
Brown and John S. Spann. The following committees were selected:

First. A committee to correspond with Colonel Drake and ascertain
and publish the day on which the volunteers may be expected to arrive at
the depot at Edinburg. to wit : W. W. Wick. David Wallace, G. A. Chap
man, N. McCarty, J. G. Defrees and N. B. Palmer.

Second. A committee to procure volunteers, wagons and teams to
transport the volunteers entirely or in part from Edinburg to Indianapolis,
to wit: T. M. Smith, William H. Morrison, John M. Talbott. Samuel \Vool-
en and W. B. Preston.

Third. A committee to take order in reference to the appropriate cere
monies and proceedings of a gratulatory character on the arrival of the
volunteers at Edinburg or Indianapolis, or both, to wit : James Blake,
John H. Bradley, David Reynolds. Albert G. Porter. Nathaniel Bolton.
.fames Morrison, S. V. V. Noel, Livingstone Dunlap and Douglass McGuire.

Fourth. A committee to take order to make arrangements concerning
appropriate festivities and entertainments on the occasion of such arrival,
to wit : Andrew Smith. Edward Hedderly, Matthew Little, George Plant,
S. M. Scoville and William Biddle.

Fifth. A committee to levy subscriptions with instructions to con
sult with the other committees as to the necessary amounts and to make
contracts and pay accounts: T. M. Smith, John S. Spann. Joshua Lans-
dale and L. M. Vance.

169
L ANDERS'S COMPANY FULL.

Indiana Sentinel, Hay 22, 1847.

The company here is now full and the following officers have been
elected and commissioned : Edward Landers, Captain ; Abraham Lewis,
First Lieutenant: Benjamin Franklin. Second Lieutenant: Benjamin Pil-
bean. Additional Second Lieutenant. The names of the sergeants and cor
porals we have not yet learned.

This is an excellent corps, young, active and full of fight, and among
them are not a few that can handle a musket. Won't our ladies make an
other effort and present them with a flag? Our word for it, they will not
disgrace it nor forget the donors.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, May 22, 1847.
General Orders No. 11.

I. The twenty-sixth day of the present mouth having been suggested by
Major H. Smith, quartermaster, through Lieutenant-Colonel J. Erviug, U.
S. A., as a proper time to begin receiving companies of volunteers at the
place of rendezvous in this State, and satisfactory information having been
received from the proper authority that quarters and subsistence for the
troops will be provided by the United States when so received, and as the
time mentioned will not admit of further delay to enable the companies
reported last year, but too late for acceptance, to avail themselves of a
preference over others, therefore, as intimated in Sec. 4, General Orders
No. 10, such rule of preference is hereafter abolished.

II. Captains J. M. Wallace, W. T. Baldridge. E. Lander and J. W.
Crooks (whose companies have been already organized, reported to and
accepted by the undersigned) will therefore march their respective com
mands to Old Fort Clark, at such time as will enable them to reach that
point not sooner than the 2Gth inst.. and as early thereafter as possible.

III. The six companies yet to be raised will be accepted by the under
signed in the order of time in which they are hereafter reported to him as
full and organized, without reference to their being new or old companies ;
that is to say, the first six companies hereafter reported will be forthwith
accepted ; but no such company will march to the place of rendezvous until
the captain thereof is informed by letter that his company is accepted, and
"he therein expressly ordered to march.

IV. Although other companies are in progress of being raised, yet it
is not improbable that the remaining six companies will be raised in less
than two, and perhaps three weeks from this time. Where the efforts
making in neighboring counties and by different persons to raise com
panies are likely to prove unsuccessful, it is suggested that the object might
be speedily accomplished by throwing different fractions or imperfect com
panies together.

V. ^ Information has been received from Lieutenant-Colonel J. Irving,
U. S. A., that each volunteer will receive, before he leaves the place of

170

rendezvous, besides the clothing pay, an allowance for traveling from his
home to that place. As this is 50 cents for every twenty miles, it will be
more than sullicieut to defray the expense in traveling there. If the offi
cers of a company, or any citizens, could advance the sum necessary to get
the men to the place of rendezvous it might be done without the slightest
risk or loss by the men signing an order to the paymaster to retain from
their pay the amount advanced, and pay the same over to those who had
advanced it. This course was pursued last year by many of the companies
without the slightest loss or difficulty, and thereby much delay was avoided.
To remove any obstacle, however, arising from a possible inability of offi
cers or citizens to advance the small sum necessary to defray such ex
penses, inquiry has been made for the purpose of ascertaining whether the
necessary funds cannot be obtained from one of the branch banks, and it
is expected that the application will be successful.

By order of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief,

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

WAR FEVER RUNS HIGH.

Lawrenccl)iiry Rcyistcr, May 27, 1847.

Surely the war spirit has taken fast hold on the people of our goodly
city. Last week we stated that a company had been raised under the
management of Captain Baldridge and the officers have now received their
commissions from the government and will be off for the rendezvous on
Tuesday or Wednesday next.

Ebenezer Dumont, Esq., as soon as his company was about full, took
the spirit and is now recruiting a company, and is meeting with much more
success than we thought possible for a second company.

DEPARTURE OF L ANDERS'S COMPANY.

State Journal, May 28, J8//7.

Captain Landers left this city with his company for the place of ren
dezvous last Wednesday. They were a line, hale, robust set of fellows and
will doubtless conduct themselves with credit to the State. It is rumored
that ex-Govornor Wallace is about forming another company for the same
destination. Governor Wallace is a graduate of the military academy at
West Point.

Madison Courier, May 29, 18Jt7.

IN CAMP BUENA VISTA, April 19, 1847.

EDITOR NEW ORLEANS DELTA— It is an error that the Indiana Brigade,
as a brigade, was in default. The First Regiment was on the Rio Grande,
the Second on the extreme left of the line of battle and the Third on the

171

extreme right of the field, further separated than any other two regiments
on the field. I suppose your informant was led into error because Briga
dier-General Lane- was with the Second Regiment. It is an error that my
regiment ever hesitated for a single instant, and it has the signal merit
of being one, if not the only one, in the action that did not retreat.

Our position was in the road by which alone the artillery of the enemy
could be brought forward and only exposed to the artillery fire until the
Second Indiana. Kentucky, Illinois and Mississippi troops had been suc
cessively driven back by the overpowering force of the enemy. The enemy
having been twice repulsed in our front and having completely turned our
left flank and taken position next to the mountain, we were ordered there
and formed a junction with Colonel Da vis's regiment and the Second Indi
ana, which had been rallied; this force advanced upon the infantry and
lancers and kept up a brisk fire until ordered to cease by General Taylor.

It was now that the Lancers made the charge alluded to. and for the
repulse of which the credit was given to the Mississippians. This charge
was made in column upon the extreme right of my regiment, the Second
Indiana and Mississippians being on our left. They were permitted to ap
proach within twenty-five steps of the line before I gave the command to
fire. They were repulsed and fled under cover of their battery and their
infantry dispersed among the mountains. We now moved to the vicinity
of O'Brien's battery, and when we arrived there the Kentucky and Illinois
troops, overpowered by numbers, were retreating and the enemy pressing
upon them and the battery, which was in imminent danger of being cap
tured. We opened fire upon them and they retired in the greatest disor
der. This last blow terminated the battle, and instead of leaving the bat
tlefield as stated, the Third Indiana bivouacked in the most advanced posi
tion held by our troops in fne morning and the enemy drew off.

As troops never fought better than the Third Indiana, as their steadi
ness and coolness is proverbial, as you will see by the official reports, I
am astonished that such calumny should be fabricated against us. We
were brought into action when the day seemed extremely critical, and we
were victorious in our engagement, and in my opinion are entitled to the
credit of having twice saved the fortunes of the day. I have not men
tioned the retreat or change of position of other regiments invidiously,
but as proof that the fortunes of the day in an imminent degree rested
upon and were sustained by my regiment. So much for the Third Indiana
Volunteers.

The Second Regiment opened the ball on the 23d. and I undertake to
say that they deserve credit for maintaining their first position as long
as they did. They were on the extreme left next to the mountain. They
stood firm and steady as veterans and exchanged twenty-one rounds with
a vastly superior force in their front with their entire line from right to
left raked by a deadly fire of grape and cannister from one twenty-four
pounder and two eighteen-pounders. and with their right flank threatened
and their rear exposed from the force that was contending with the rifle
men on the mountain. They did not retreat until they were ordered to do
so by their commander (as in evidence before the court of inquiry now
sitting). The one just charge that can be made against the Second Indi-
,aua is that it did not rally as soon as they should, but the -fault is not

172

with them, but with the commander, who designated no force or point for
them to rally upon.

It would be criminal in me to permit our brave soldiers, who have
done so much to sustain their country's honor, to sleep under the gross
injustice which your article does them, and I respectfully request that you
give this note a place in your paper.

Very respectfully,

JAMES H. LANE,
Colonel Commanding, Third Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

RETURN OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUN
TEERS.

(Companies D and G, Second Regiment.)

From History of Washington County.

Upon returning home the company brought with them the corpse of
Thomas C. Parr. The boys were met at New Albany by a large delega
tion of their relatives and neighbors, who had gone there with wagons to
convey them home. In a few days all that was mortal of Thomas C.
Parr was consigned to a grave in the Salem cemetery, a large crowd being
present. Appropriate Christian ceremonies dignified the occasion and a
volley of musketry was fired over the grave of the dead soldier. About
this time, also, a barbecue was held in honor of the boys. They were
marched in rank out on the Orleans road nearly a mile, to a fine grove,
where a large crowd assembled, and where several fatted calves browned
and sputtered over a roaring fire. Rev. William Shanks delivered the wel
coming address, to which several members of the company replied, detail
ing their experiences in the land of the Montezumas. Captain Nathan
Kimball and Lieutenant L. Q. Hoggatt. both of whom had served in other
companies in the same regiment, delivered lengthy addresses. All ate of
the roasted beef and left on the ground enough for the buzzards which
hovered around for several days.

RETURN OF THE LAWRENCE GRAYS.

(Company F, Second Regiment.)

From History of Lawrence County.

When the news of the battle of Buena Vista reached the county it
occasioned great excitement. With the report came the assertion that the
Second Regiment had tied from the battlefield like frightened deer; the
details were awaited with feverish anxiety. The relatives of the soldier
boys denied the report on general principles, but subsequent rumors con
firmed the account. The first authentic and accurate account was brought
by W. A. Gorman, of Bloomington. who had been in the same regiment and
had come home before the others. He stopped at Bedford long enough to
deliver a speech detailing the movements of the battle to a large crowd

173

which had hastily collected. Hero it was learned how the boys came to
run from the field — how tlirii ircrc actiny under the orders of their com
mander, after they had fired their twenty-one rounds of ammunition and
had received three xucccxxn'c order* to retreat. The facts removed the
charge of cowardice from the regiment. June 30, 1847, the Bedford boys
returned. They were met at White Kiver by the Bedford brass band and
a large concourse of citizens, and escorted to the town. After the first
warm greetings were over it was determined to hold a barbecue, and ac
cordingly July <> a large crowd assembled in Foote's woods, north of town,
the estimated number present being G.UOO. The procession was formed on
the public square and then marched to the grounds, where a fat ox was
roasting. Dr. Benedict delivered the principal address of welcome, to
which Captain Davis and Lieutenants Hoggatt and Lewis responded.

BARTHOLOMEW VOLUNTEERS.

(Company F. Fourth Regiment.)

From History of liartholomeic County.

In May. 1847. a second call for volunteers was made, and in response
an infantry company was raised by Michael Fitz Gibbon. * * * Early
in June the company assembled at the court house in Columbus, prepara
tory to leaving for Camp Clark. The town was filled with people who
came from all parts of the county to give the gallant boys a farewell
greeting and to witness the presentation of a beautiful flag by the ladies
of Columbus, which bore the patriotic and tender motto on its silken folds :
"None but the Brave Deserve the Fair." The presentation address was
delivered by Mrs. Miranda Frances Comstock (now Mrs. Hinman). daugh
ter of John F. Jones. The address was appropriately and feelingly re
sponded to by Captain Fitz Gibbon.

The company was mustered into the service June 12, 1847. and desig
nated Company F, Fourth Regiment, commanded by Colonel Willis A.
Gorman. The regiment immediately embarked for the scene of conflict
and was assigned to the command of General Joseph Lane, and with his
brigade participated in all the contests in which the brigade was engaged.
The company was mustered out at Madison, Indiana, July 1G. 1848.

THE MARIOX GUARDS.

State Journal, June -J, 1847.

The company of volunteers bearing the above name, commanded by
John M. Wallace, captain : J. Carey, first lieutenant ; John W. Dodd, sec
ond lieutenant ; M. Berry, third lieutenant, marched from the town of
Marion on Monday, the 24th ult.. for Fort Clark, the place of rendezvous.

The procession that escorted them from town, most of them six miles
and some of them to the place of rendezvous, appeared to be a mile in
length, all of whom were evidently moved by no ordinary feelings of mo
mentary excitement, but prompted by that higher and nobler passion which

174

induces the patriot to yield his dearest affections to the call of his coun
try in the hour of her emergency. Watery eyes, heaving bosoms and trem
bling lips exhibited throughout the crowd when taking leave of fathers,
sons, brothers and relatives of almost every degree and personal friends,
too plainly spoke the deep sensibility of the sacrifice they made, yet with
lowd cheers, lifted hats and brandished arms proudly exhorted them to go
forth and emulate the noble bearing and high fame of a large portion of
their brothers at Buena Vista.

Along the whole line of their march they were greeted from the field
with loud huzzas, ard from the cabins and farm houses with waving of
handkerchiefs. The patriotic feeling and hospitable treatment tendered
them at Andersontown, where a portion of the company joined the ranks,
and the warm-hearted and generous reception at Shelby ville, where, not
withstanding the company were all strangers to the citizens, their presence
was no sooner announced in the streets than the citizens by coifimon con
sent met together and made arrangements in a few minutes and informed
the Volunteers that the public houses of the place would be thrown open
for their accommodation without money and without price, for which the
whole company will cherish a grateful recollection.

It is also due to Messrs. A. Pitcher, S. B. Campbell, Robert McClure,
Z. Reynolds and John Hall, who generously volunteered with their teams
and assisted in transporting the company and baggage to the railroad
depot at Edinburg, as well as to Thomas IMatt and David C. Hite, musi
cians, who will alike be remembered with the kindest feelings of the
Marion (Juards.

FOURTH REGIMENT FILLED.

Madison Courier, June 5, /(X.'/?.

The Adjutant-Oneral advises, in the Indiana State Sentinel of the
21st that on the 30th ult. the ten companies of infantry called for from
Indiana had been reported to his office and their services duly tendered
and accepted for the existing war. The volunteers are now rapidly going
forward from all States on which the late requisitions were made.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN HENDRICKS.

Madison Courier, June 5, IMfi.

BRAZOS, April 28, 3847.

DEAR EDITOR— I address you this early in our campaign for the purpose
of informing the relatives and friends of the men under my command of
our arrival at this island and the condition of our company.

We landed at this island yesterday evening at seven o'clock, and in
consequence of arriving so late we were unable to procure from the ship
our tents or stores, so we had to make a virtue of necessity and pitch
ourselves instead of our tents upon the land.

Sinee we left Madison the In alth of the company has ht»en exceptionally
good, for notwithstanding we have been confined, up to the time of our

175

arrival here, in small vessels, crowded full of troops, but four or five of
our men have been sick.

My company, as you are well aware, was chiefly recruited in our
county, and out of the whole number who joined me in Jefferson County
I have had but a single man to report as sick, and he is 'not dangerously
ill. I refer to James O'Xeil of Milton Township. He was left at the
hospital at New Orleans.

VOLUNTEER MEETING.

Madison Courier, June 5, 1847.

A meeting of the citizens of Jefferson County for the purpose of ar
ranging a suitable welcome to our volunteers on their return was held at
the court house on Saturday. May 29th, pursuant to the adjournment of the
previous Saturday. John L. King. Esq., presented the following resolu
tions :

Whereas, The term of service of the Third Indiana Volunteers in
Mexico is about to expire, and the soldiers of the same will soon reach
their homes; and

Whereas, Two companies constituting a portion of that. regiment belong
to this city and county, and it is thought expedient by their fellow-citizens
to signalize their return by demonstrations of public welcome and an ex
pression of public sentiment : therefore, be it

Resolved, That we exult with pride at the gallant and intrepid con
duct and bearing of the Third Indiana Volunteers at Buena Vista, the sole
regiment which throughout that memorable struggle was not staggered by
the shock of arms, always maintaining its front to the foe and its flag
aloft, without retreat from its position and without confusion at any mo
ment, and which by its well-timed junction with the Mississippi regiment
at a perilous crisis, upon which the safety of the entire army was in haz
ard and suspense, restored the fortunes of our troops and turned the tide
of battle into a triumph for our arms.

Resolved, That for the purpose of extending an appropriate congratu
lation to the Madison Volunteers and for the expression of the spirit of
welcome a public reception shall be made, the plan of arrangement for
which shall be as follows : * * *

On motion of Mr. Hillis, Hon. Joseph G. Marshall was requested to
address the volunteers upon the celebration of their return.

CLAY COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Company H, Fourth Regiment.

From History of Clay County.

This company had the following officers : Mr. Cochran, captain, Terre
Haute: Mr. Cole, first lieutenant. John Mullen of Vigo County and Mr.
Lee of Vigo were elected its second lieutenants. The colonel was Mr. Gor
man of Bloomington, and General Dumont was elected lieutenant-colonel.
The regiment was mustered into service in June. 1847. at Terre Haute, and

176

started at once for Mexico, where it was placed in the command of Gen
eral Taylor. It was engaged in the battles of Ilumantley, Puebla, At-
lixico and participated in a large number of sieges and skirmishes of great
er or less importance. At Vera Cruz it was transferred to the command
of General Scott, and in the brigade commanded by General Jim Lane.
The regiment \vas stationed at Puebla as a garrison from November, 1847,
to March, 1848, at which time, the war having been brought to a termina
tion, it was sent home and discharged, after an honorable service of nearly
two years.

SPENCER COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Company E, Fourth Regiment.

From History tipenccr County.

The county had little to do with wars prior to that with Mexico in
1840-48. Under the call of May 13, 184(i, a few men left the county, mostly
for the United States service, but in 1S4T a full company was raised in
Spencer and Dubois counties. * * *

Of those men from Dubois County James A. Graham, it is said, was
the chosen leader, he having been mainly instrumental in securing their
enlistment. John W. C' rooks raised the squad at Roekport. being assisted
by several of the citizens there. The men of the above company went in
small squads within a few days to New Albany, where they became Com
pany E of the Fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Colo
nel Willis A. Gorman. This was in June. 1847. In July the regiment
moved to Ne\v Orleans, thence across the gulf to Brazos Island, and soon
afterward up the Rio Grande River, along and near which it did guard
duty until early in 1848, when it was transferred to Vera Cruz, and thence
along the National Road to Puebla. * * * In July, 1848, the regiment
returned and was mustered out at Madison, Indiana. Company E had
entered the service under the command of Captain John W. Crooks, who
resigned after being out a few months. The company was met at the wharf
at Rockport by a large crowd — probably 1.500 people — and were welcomed
in a short speech by James C. Veatch, to which Captain Crooks responded. ,
All then went to Morgan's Grove to enjoy an old-fashioned barbecue. Here
Mr. Veatch delivered a long welcoming address, responses being made by
several of the company and others. Then the dinner was enjoyed. The
boys living north were welcomed by crowds on their way home at James
Bryant's, Gentryville, Elizabeth (now Dale) and elsewhere.

ALLEN COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Companies E and F. First Regiment.

From Jlixtct'ji of Allen Count i/.

They remained at that place (Walnut Springs. Mexico) until the period
of service for which the regiment had been mustered in had nearly ex
pired, when it was ordered to Caniargo, where it embarked on a steam-

177

boat and went to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and marched thence to
Brazos Santiago, and there took passage in the Desdemoua, a sailing ves
sel, for Xew Orleans, arriving at that place June 15, 1847. It there re-
embarked on the steamboat Cincinnati, the same boat that had taken it
down the river about a year before, and the two companies from Allen
County were landed at Cincinnati a few days after. They at once took
passage for home on canal boats, ai.d v.vre greeted with warm manifesta
tions of joy and welcome.

GENERAL LAXE AND COLONEL BOWLES.

State Journal, June 7, 1847.

The result of the inquiry in the case of General Lane and Colonel
Bowles is given below. Xo one ever doubted General Lane's bravery or
that he would conduct himself otherwise than as a brave and gallant offi
cer. As to Colonel Bowles, it was different. If not deficient in "personal
courage/' no one acquainted with him ever presumed him to be capable of
commanding a regiment. His selection for so responsible a place was the
result of the disgraceful intrigues directed by Governor Whitcomb in per
son at New Albany last June. In retreating, the Second Regiment obeyed
orders, as it was bound to do, and of course no censure will hereafter rest
upon it.

(Report quoted elsewhere.)

CAPTAIN LINCOLN.

State Journal, June 8, 1847.

Colonel Starbuck of the Illinois regiment writes to Colonel Lane that
Captain Lincoln fell near him in the battle of Buena Vista while deliver
ing an order to one of the officers of his regiment. So much for the en
deavor of certain letter writers to connect the death of Captain Lincoln
with the retreat of the Second Indiana.

COLONEL McCARTY PROTESTS AGAINST FALSE

REPORTS.

Indiana ScntincJ, June il 1847.

BUENA VISTA, MEXICO. April 20, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — In an article in the New Orleans Delta of the 28th
ult., purporting, upon the authority of Major Coffee, to give a description
of the battle of Buena Vista, the glory of achieving that victory is given
to other troops and those of Indiana stigmatized with cowardice and flight.
The pride which I feel for my State and the brave soldiers who have served

12—18750

178

with me renders it necessary to refute this foul calumny and prove by
facts that the victory was won by the Indiana troops.

It is false that Captain Lincoln was killed at the head of the
Indiana troops when upbraiding them for cowardice, but in the front of the
Second Illinois. It is false that the Third Regiment of Indiana was ever
panic-struck or fled, but on the contrary it was victorious wherever it went
and has the singular merit of being the only regiment that at all times
stood firm. The account of Major Coffee has scarcely a semblance of truth
in any of its features, as the prominent events of the battle will prove.

The battle was begun by the riflemen of Indiana on the mountain
sides, where they sustained the fire of tiro battalion* for more than six
hours, were orerpoirered and rendezvoused at the rancho. The Second In
diana was led against tlie Mexican column on the left and was repulsed.
The Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry retired from the left without striking •
a blow. The Illinois and Kentucky were led to the left and were repulsed.
The Mississippi regiment was likewise repulsed. Thus our entire line ex
cept the Third Indiana and a fragment of Colonel Hardin's icas broken and
somewhat dispersed and no decisive ad rant-age gained orcr the enemy.
The Third Indiana was now ordered to form a junction with and sustain
Colonel Davis. The left wing having given way, our front was changed to
the mountains, exposing us to an enfilade fire from the enemy's battery.
The junction was formed, this force 1)00 strong, two-thirds of which were
Indianians, dispersed the masses of infa'ntry amongst the mountains and
drove the Lancers under shelter of thoir battery. It is false that the Mis-
sissippians repelled the charge of the Lancers. It was done by the Third
Indiana before the Mississippians had delivered a fire.

After pursuing the Mexicans to the mountain base a new attack was
made upon the Illinois and Kentucky troops, who were retreating and a
battery in imminent danger of being captured. This force was ordered to
the rescue and did rescue troops and battery, put to flight the Mexicans and
by it terminated the battle. As the cavalry never engaged the line, they
are not entitled to the credit of winning the battle. As the Kentucky and
Illinois troops were repulsed finally in every engagement, they are not en
titled to it. No troops but those above named gained any decided advan
tage except in the rancho skirmish, and there the riflemen contributed in
an eminent degree to that result. The artillery was eminently efficient and
contributed largely to these results as did the cavalry on our left by their
presence, but they were mere spectators. I do not cite the repulse and re
treat of other troops to disparage their services, for they all fought brave
ly, but to show how critical the fortunes of the day were; that nothing
but disasters had occurred and that a force of 600 Indianians and 300 Mis
sissippians turned the tide against overwhelming odds, flushed with suc
cess over other corps.

From this ordeal Indiana will emerge with additional lustre, and the
services of her soldiers on this field reflect honor upon themselves and the
State they represent, if truth prevail. A very respectable portion of the
Second Indiana had joined the Third on its left before it became engaged
or joined with the Mississippians and this body (Third Indiana, Mississippi
and part of Second Indiana) never wavered, but fought until night, when
victorv closed thoir labors. The Third Indiana bivouacked on the field of

179

battle in the most advanced position. Knowing that you would vindicate
our State from the stains attempted to be put upon her. I furnish you with
this data upon which to do it. It was submitted to General Lane, who
was also preparing a similar document.

Very respectfully yours,
W. M. M'CARTY, Lieutenant-Colonel,

Third Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

INDIANAPOLIS BOYS AT CERRO GORDO.

Indiana Journal, June 9, J8-J7.

A few days ago we gave an extract from a letter from Z. M. Pike
Hand, who was in the battle of Cerro Gordo, and who has since been pro
moted for his gallantry. In General Scott's official dispatches from Plan
del Rio Lieutenant Benjamin is mentioned. This Lieutenant Benjamin is
Calvin Benjamin, who was assistant librarian in our city library while
Hon. Win. J. Brown was Secretary of State. Benjamin went from this
place to the West Point Military Academy, where he graduated with dis
tinction. Lieutenant Benjamin was in the battle of Palo Alto and Resaca
de la Palina, in the hottest of the fight at Monterey and commanded a bat
tery at Cerro Gordo.

While we mention the above with pride, we now have to record the
name of another with feelings of pride mingled with melancholy. Giles
Isshaiii. who spent his boyhood here, and was partially reared by a gen
tleman of this city, was killed at Cerro Gordo while in the company of
Captain Riley fighting the Mexicans. He was known here by those who
recollect him as a boy of most unflinching, undaunted courage and fond of
adventure. His feats of horsemanship were very daring, and on one occa
sion was very nearly the cause of his death, but under the attentive care
of Dr. Sanders he recovered. When the struggle on the Canadian border
occurred a few years since he went to Cleveland, Ohio, for the purpose of
joining these infatuated men. Two or three years ago he visited Indian
apolis and he exhibited then, on a certain occasion, the entire absence of
the quality called fear.

WHO IS HE?

Indiana Journal, June 11,

In reading Colonel Davis's interesting report of the part which the
Mississippians took in the battle of Buena Vista our curiosity was some
what excited by the following allusion to an officer from this State : Who
is he?

"In every approbatory sense of these remarks I wish to be included a
party of Colonel Bowles's Indiana regiment, which served with us during
the greater part of the day under the immediate command of an officer
from that regiment, whose gallantry attracted my particulai attention, but
whose name, 1 regret, is unknown to me."

180

AN INDIANA COMPANY IN THE SIXTEENTH U. S.

INFANTEY.

From History of Warrick County.

For half a century prior to 1801 the settlement and progress of War-
rick County had been almost wholly uninterrupted by any of the stirring
scenes attendant upon a nation at war. The militia, which had done sir.-li
effective service in the Indian wars, was fostered by early laws of the
Territory and State. All able-bodied men of proper age were enrolled and
required to attend certain days in each year for the purpose of drilling in
military tactics. For several years after this the "general training days"
were the grand county holidays. At first the people took active interest in
learning the different military movements and studied, in their homely
way, the strategies of war. Each man furnished a gun in the beginning,
and all were skilled in the manual of arms. Until the time of the Mexican
War this system of militia organization was kept up in Warrick County,
although for a part of the time only nominally so. The musters took place
several times a year and were generally held at the county seat or some
other important point in the county. They were always attended by large
and noisy crowds. As the men were privileged from arrest on "training
days," the occasion became one of general jollification and fun of the
rougher sort, such as fights and kindred sports (?), was the order of the
day. A long period of peace had impaired the efficiency of these musters.

Isham Fuller, who was one of the earliest settlers in the county, be
came one of the prominent leaders in these musters and was appointed to
the rank of general of the militia. Alpha Frisbie was another that bore
an important part, but these were not all. At these general training days
some of the lingering heroes of the Revolution were often objects of spe
cial interest and their tales of that long and trying conflict were listened
to by the later generations with eager attention. In this manner things
moved along, the interest in the drills yearly s growing less until the out
break of the war with Mexico.

In that brief, and perhaps not inglorious, campaign Indiana was well
represented. Her quota of troops was soon filled and then those of her
citizens who wanted to enlist were compelled to volunteer from other
States. Warrick County shared the usual enthusiasm in behalf of the war.
but was too late to be credited from this State. A full company ivas or
ganized at Neicburyk, icith Thomas F. Bethell as captain. It was known
as Company I of the Sixteenth U. S. Infantry Volunteers.

On the 14th Colonel Drake issued the following order :

HEADQUARTERS FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

NEW ORLEANS, June 14, 1847.

To the Officers and Soldiers of the First Regiment of Indiana Volunteers:

The term of our service as volunteers is now about to expire, and we

shall soon resume our avocations as citizens. That tie which has so closely

bound us together as soldiers is now about to be severed, perhaps never

COL. JAMES H. LANE

COLONEL THIRD INDIANA AND FIFTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS

181

again to be resumed. This separation creates in my breast emotions of
both pain and joy. It affords me the highest degree of gratification to see
you returning to the bosom of your families and friends, where you will
meet with so many cheerful faces and such heartfelt welcomes — and pain,
knowing, as I well do, that many of us are now separating never to meet
again. Our service has been hard. We have faced the grim monster Death
in his most terrific forms. You have borne all the fatigues and sufferings
of the camp most gallantly. When danger approached, your vigilance has
increased. You have shown yourselves anxious and eager to rush to the
field of battle. In short, you have done all that soldiers could do for the
honor and credit of the State and Nation. You have boldly and generously
supported me in all my efforts to lead you on and instruct you in the sci
ence of war, for all of which I tender you my most hearty thanks, and
shall ever cherish towards you the kindest regards.

I will here suggest to those who have claims upon the United States
for bounty lauds the propriety of retaining them. It has given me much
pain since our arrival at this place to see soldiers offering and selling the
claims, which they had so honestly and faithfully earned, at from seventy
to eighty dollars. I hope at least that you will not dispose of your claims
at this time. If you retain them until you arrive at home I doubt not but
you will be able to make them yield you at least two hundred dollars.
Your warrants will be sent you free of charge. Any sale you may now
make is, according to law, void.

The commandants of companies will, as soon as their rolls can be
completed, march their men to the Commercial Exchange, where Colonel
Churchill will muster them out of the service.

J. P. DRAKE, Colonel.
First Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

The volunteers were discharged and paid off as fast as the rolls could
be made out. We all separated from our companions in arms with the best
of feelings. We returned to our respective homes, where we all met with
a welcome reception. Free barbecues were given in nearly every county
that furnished volunteers. Too much praise cannot be given to the citi
zens of Evansville, New Albany. Madison. Vevay and Lawrenceburg for
their hospitality to the volunteers. The fair ladies of New Albany ex
tended a beautiful wreath over a street in semi-circular form with the in
scription. "Welcome Home, Brave Sons of Indiana. Heroes of Bueua Vista."

NORTHERN VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Journal, June 11,

In addition to Captain Smith's Company of Lake County volunteers
which passed through here some weeks since, there was another company.
made up principally in Laporte and Kosciusko, arrived in town last
Wednesday evening and proceeded en route for the place of rendezvous the
following morning.

They were accompanied a short distance out of town by some of our
citizens, where a parting address was delivered by the Governor, which

182

was answered by three hearty good cheers by the boys as they took to their
wagons.

This company from the northern part of the State was composed of
fine-looking:, intelligent young men. The writer of this is personally ac
quainted with the young men from Kosciusko and he ventures to say that
they will in nowise disgrace the time-honored name of their county. They
spoke with unfeigned emotion of the parting with their relatives and
friends who thronged the spa( ious court house at Warsaw to bid them a
prosperous journey, an honorable career and a £afe return. Heaven grant
their propitious desire, but as we extended them the parting hand we could
but feel the uncertainty of their mission.

FIGHTING MEN FROM LAPORTE.

Indiana .Journal, .hi tic 1 \, 1S'f7.

The company of volunteers who arrived here on Wednesday from La-
porte County is commanded by Captain McCoy, formerly of Shelbyville.
They looked like fighting men. and if any fighting yet remains to be done
we would recommend that the Laporto company be allowed to do it.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA,

JEFFERSON VILLE, June 15. 1847.
General Orders Xo. l.'i.

I. The captains of the Fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, now
encamped near this place, will forthwith give full notice to the members
of their respective companies that an election will be held at the said en
campment on Wednesday, the K>th of June, 1H47, for the purpose of elect
ing one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel and one major of the said regiment,
in accordance with the following regulations :

II. The members of each company will first elect, by a majority of
their number, three judges and one clerk of election ; one of said judges
to administer an oath of affirmation to the other judges and to the clerk,
and himself to be afterward sworn or affirmed by one of the latter judges,
faithfully and impartially to discharge their respective duties as such.

III. Said judges will then open a poll or precinct for their company
at its present location at said encampment, and proceed to receive the bal
lots of the members of said company from the hour of 10 o'clock a. in.
and continue to receive the same and keep the poll open until the hour of
f> o'clock p. in. of the same day, unless all the members of said company
(not expressly declining to vote) shall have soor.er voted.

IV. The clerk will register the name of each member (as he votes)
in a list, as required by law. and at the close of the polls the judges and
clerk will count the ballots and declare the number of votes received by
each candidate respectively for said offices, and make out a certificate of
the same, signed by the three judges and attested by the clerk.

183

V. The judges aiid clerk of each and every company will, as soon as
the election is closed at the different precincts (and not later than 7:30
o'clock p. in.) meet at the location of the company commanded by the cap
tain holding the senior commission, in said regiment, viz : Captain John
M. Wallace, and they will then and there add together the Votes received
by each candidate at any and all of said precincts, from which returns
shall then have been made, and they will thereupon declare the result of
said election. They will also make out a written certificate stating the
names of the candidates and the number of votes by them respectively re
ceived for the different offices; and that the candidate receiving the high
est number of votes for the office of colonel, lieutenant-colonel or major is
duly elected to the same ; which will be signed by the judges and attested
by the clerks collectively, who are in attendance. This joint certificate will
be forthwith delivered to the undersigned, now at this place, in order that
the commissions may be issued without delay.

VI. It is recommended that all said officers be voted for on one and
the same ballot.

VII. All persons are warned against interfering in any manner with
the freedom of the election. Every volunteer will be protected in his legal
right to vote a folded ballot, which will not be opened until the polls are
closed, and no undue restraint from any quarter whatever of the right of
suffrage will be tolerated. Any attempt, on the contrary, to interfere with
or to infringe upon the full and free privilege of the voters will be prompt
ly visited by such punishment under the penal laws of the State as in such
case is made and provided.

By order of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

DEATH OF THOMAS M'COY.

Indiana Sentinel, June 16, 1847-

JEFFERSON VILLE, June 7, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — As the death of Thomas McCoy, one of the company
under my command, when reported in your paper, may lead to the belief
that others are suffering from severe sickness, and thus create much
anxiety among the friends of the soldiers who are now here, you will con
fer a favor upon me by allowing me to state through the medium of your
press that, with the exception of two slight attacks of chills, the members
of my company have all been in fine health since their arrival. Mr.
McCoy was the only one attacked by the complaint of which he died (in
flammation of the bowels), and from the first moment of his sickness to
the last he received every attention which care and skill could bestow upon
him. He was removed to a private house and was attended by the best
physicians of this place. He died this morning at 5 o'clock and his re
mains will be sent back to his family this morning.

Three companies, the Marion company, the one from Grant and one
from Lawrenceburg (Captain Diunont). are full and received. Three others

184

are here waiting to lill before they can be received. I think the regiment
will be full by the last of the week.

I am, yours in haste,

EDWARD LANDER,

Fourth Indiana.

CAPTAIN CANBY AND LIEUTENANT BENJAMIN
OF INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel, June 16, i<sV/7.

It will be observed by the reports of officers commanding divisions of
our army at the battle of OITO Gordo that these gentlemen behaved in a
most gallant manner. Captain Morris of the Second Infantry says: "Dur
ing most of this time the regiment had been advancing towards Jalapa
road and was, at the same time, ascending the height in reverse, around
the sides of which it had been ordered to deploy as skirmishers. No
sooner had this height become ours than the enemy appeared in large force
on the Jalapa road and we were ordered to hasten to that point. Captain
Canby, with a small detachment, accompanied by Lieutenant Lyon, pressed
hotly on their rear and were soon in possession of a battery of three pieces
which had been firing upon us in reverse."

Colonel Riley, commanding the Second Brigade, says : "My staff offi
cers, ""Captain Canby, A. A. G., and Lieutenant Tilden, Second Infantry, my
acting aid, were constantly engaged in the affairs of the 17th and 18th.
either in communicating orders or in conducting detachments and by their
intelligence and activity in both capacities, rendered highly valuable serv
ices." Again, the same officer says: "Early on the morning of the 18th
my brigade was moved in the direction of the enemy's left on the Jalapa
road under the guidance of ""Captain Lee of the engineers, who was sup
ported by Company I). Fourth Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Benja
min. This movement was made under a heavy fire from the castle and
from the enemy's infantry posted on the ridge on our left." And he adds :
"In this action the attention of the Brigadier-General commanding was
particularly called to the cool and gallant conduct of the commander of the
supporting company. Lieutenant Benjamin, Fourth Artillery."

Major Gardiner, commanding the Fourth Regiment of Artillery, says :
"On the morning of the 18th the regiment was ordered to join the Second
Infantry and proceed on the line, turning the enemy's left, Company D.
under Lieutenant Benjamin, being detached as a guard to Captain Lee of
the Engineers." And adds: "I would remark that Brevet Major Brown,
with Lieutenant Howe, the adjutant, and Lieutenants Benjamin, Porter
and Gill, the main credit is due, so far as that regiment -is concerned, of
taking the heavy ordnance up the height that bore upon the enemy's works
and may be allowed to add (probably a little out of place) that Captain
Drum, Lieutenants McGowan and Benjamin rendered highly valuable serv
ices in reconnoitering the enemy's position on the previous day."

From these extracts it will be apparent that Indiana was represented

*Gen. E. R. S. Canby and Gen. Robert E. Lee, of the Civil War.

185

bravely and honorably upon the Plaua del Rio and at the storming of
Cerro Gordo. Captain Canby formerly resided in Crawfordsville and en
tered the army as a second lieutenant on the 1st of July, 1839. Lieutenant
Benjamin was educated in Shelby County and spent several years at In
dianapolis, principally in the office of Secretary of State under Mr. Sheets
and Governor J. Brown : was appointed cadet at West Point in 1838 and
entered the army in 1842. While the meed of praise is justly awarded
to the Lanes. Gormaus. Haddins, Robisous and others of the volunteers for
their courage and bravery at Buena Vista, let us not forget Canby, Benja
min. Hand. etc.. of the regulars, who ever were found in the* foremost of
the fight, and whose first laurels of victory received their baptism in the
gushing blood of the foe.

IMPORTANT TO VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Journal. June 1$. 1847.

A Washington City paper says : "We have been furnished with a copy
of the following letter for publication for the benefit of the volunteers, to
whom it is interesting to the last degree :

PENSION OFFICE, May 24, 1847.
R. Jones. Adjutant-General V. S. Army :

SIK — In answer to your letter of the 22d. I have to inform you that no
soldier discharged before the expiration of the term of enlistment on his
own application and for his special benefit, is entitled to land or scrip un
der the ninth section of the act of the llth of February. 1847. The Secre
tary of War concurs in opinion with the undersigned on this point.

Respectfully, your obedient servant.

J. L. EDWARDS.

Madison Courier, June 19. 1847.

It appears uncertain when the volunteers belonging to this city will
reach home. We presume that it is a mistake that a portion of the Third
Indiana Regiment had arrived in New Orleans on the 6th. We trust that
such arrangements have been made by our citizens as will insure them,
when they do come, a reception both gratifying to them and honorable to
the city.

GENERAL LANE'S SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.

Indiana State Sentinel. June 19, 1847.

BUENA VISTA, MEXICO, May 10. 1847.
Editor State Sentinel :

DEAR SIR — I have by permission of General Lane taken a copy of his
account of that part of the battle of Buena Vista in which the Indiana
Brigade participated. You may rely upon it as the most accurate descrip
tion that has been published. General Lane has taken considerable pains
to obtain all of the facts and states thein correctly.

186

Without making any accusations against General Taylor or General
Wool, it is saying nothing more than what is true to state that General
Lane was the most active General on the field. It should be published in
every paper in Indiana in order to refute the many falsehoods that have
been uttered in relation to the Indianians.

General Wool told Colonel Bowles this morning in the presence of
Major Washington, General Lane and some other officers : "Colonel Bowles,
you have disgraced yourself, your regiment and your State by giving that
order to retreat; you by this act prevented your regiment from achieving
one of the most brilliant victories ever achieved by American arms." He
said more, but I will not repeat it, and the Colonel bowed his head in
shame.

*******

BUENA VISTA, MEXICO, May 10, 1847.

From the comment of the -press and numerous letters that have been
written and published and the many false and ridiculous statements ut
tered by different persons at sundry places concerning the battle at this
place on the 22d and 23d of February last, and more particularly in con
sequence of the erroneous statements invented and circulated in reference
to the Indiana Brigade in connection with that memorable day, I feel my
self constrained in discharge of an imperious duty to give to the public a
succinct account of the facts which may enable every candid reader to ar
rive at a correct conclusion, and that the public may be disabused of a
studied and systematic attempt at misrepresentation and detraction.

The disposition of troops seems to have been confined to General Wool
and were posted in the following order, viz. :

The Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Colonel
Bowles, with three pieces of artillery under Captain O'Brien, were posted
on the extreme left ; the Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, command
ed by Colonel J. II. Lane, occupied a height in the rear of Captain Wash
ington's Battery; the First Illinois Regiment, commanded by Colonel Har-
din, was stationed on a high hill near and a short distance in front and to
the left of the same battery ; the Second Kentucky Volunteers, commanded
by Colonel McKee, was, on the 22d, posted on the right of a deep ravine at
a distance of a half a mile on the right of the battery, but on the morning
of the 23d were ordered to recross the ravine and take a place near Colonel
Hardin and to his left.

The Second Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, under Colonel Bissell, were
posted further in the rear and to the right at a distance of about half a
mile from where the Second Indiana Regiment was placed, which regiment,
as before remarked, occupied the extreme left of the field near the base of
the mountain. The four rifle companies of my command, under Major W.
A. Gorman, were, at the early dawn of the day, ordered to move up the
side of the mountain to engage the enemy, some three thousand strong,
which were endeavoring to cross the point of tlie mountain and turn our
left flank. These riflemen were directed to check their advance if possible.
Three rifle companies of the Second Illinois and three companies of Colonel
Marshall's mounted riflemen were dismounted and sent up the mountain to
the assistance of Major Gorman, who had now been for some time hotly
engaged with the enemy.

187

The contest 011 the mountain brow raged with fury lor about the space
of three hours, when I was informed by Colonel Churchill that the enemy
in great force were advancing under cover of a deep ravine about four hun
dred yards in my front and to the right. I immediately put my small
command in motion to meet them. It should be borne in mind that my
whole force was eight battalion companies of the Second Indiana and Cap
tain O'Brien's Battery of three guns, in all about four hundred men. On
arriving at a narrow ridge between two deep and rugged ravines I found
the Mexican infantry from four to six thousand strong, supported by a body
of Lancers. The infantry were coming up out of the ravine on the left and
forming in beautiful order across the ridge, leaving the Lancers in the
ravine.

I immediately directed Captain O'Brien to halt his battery and get
ready for the fray. The column was halted when the first company was
up with and on the left of the battery, and formed forward into line of
battle.

I rode in front of the column and continued in front as the companies
were forming into line and was much delighted to see the officers and men
move forward in good order— coolness and courage were depicted upon every
countenance. By the time half of the companies were in line and while I
was yet in front the Mexicans opened fire from their entire line. In a
moment the left companies were in line. I passed to the rear and the fire
was returned with promptness and good effect. Thus commenced the bat
tle on the plain of Bueiia Vista.

The distance between the enemy's line and my own was about one
hundred and twenty yards. About the time the action commenced the
enemy opened a tremendous fire from their battery of three heavy guns
posted on my left and a little to the rear, which nearly enfiladed my line.
In this manner the battle continued to rage for nearly twenty-five min
utes, the firing being severe on both sides. The lines of the Mexicans pre
sented one continuous sheet of flame. I observed the Mexican line to break
and fall back several times, but their successive formation across the ridge
enabled them at once to force the- men back to their positions and keep
them steady. I then formed the determination to take position nearer the
enemy with the hope of routing them and driving them from that part of
the field, and for the purpose of placing the line out of range of the ene
my's guns, which had succeeded in getting to the range so as to be doing
some execution nearly every fire.

For that purpose I sent my aide to direct Captain O'Brien to advance
his battery some fifty or sixty yards to the front and then return to me to
assist in passing the order to the line to advance to the same point. He
went with the battery to its advanced position. I was at that moment near
the left of rny line before my aide returned to me. I was much surprised
to see my line begin to give way on the right and continue to give way to
the extreme left. Not knowing at the time that Colonel Bowles had given
an order to retreat, and it was several days after the battle (and not until
after I had made my official report) before I was satisfied that the regi
ment had retreated in obedience to an order given by Colonel Bowles. The
order was not obeyed until it was twice repeated, as has since been proven
in a court of inquiry appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Colonel.

188

Lieutenant-Colonel Iladden and twelve other good witnesses have testified
to his twice or thrice having given the ouler before the line broke, so un
willing were they to abandon their position.

The Second Indiana occupied an important position ; it was the key to
that part of the field, and was unsupported by any other troops. An evi
dence of their being in a very hot place is that about ninety of them were
killed or wounded before they retreated. They stood firmly, doing their
duty as well as did ever veteran troops, until they had discharged over
twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy, killing and wounding some five
hundred of them, and I have no hesitation in saying that if it had not been
for that unnecessary, unauthorized and cowardly order to retreat they
would not have left their position. I hesitate not to express my belief that
if our order to advance had been carried out and we had taken the advanced
position as intended that we would have driven the enemy from the ridge.
Although the men retired in some confusion, the most of them soon ral
lied, say to the number of two hundred and fifty, and they continued to
fight like veterans throughout the day.

Lieutenant Robinson, my aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant-Colonel Haclden
were very active in rallying the men. Major Cravens was ordered to pro
ceed to the ranch and bring back some of our men that had gone in that
direction, which was promptly done. Captains Davis, Kimball. McKee,
Briggs. Lieutenant Spicely (then in command of the company in conse
quence of the fall of the gallant and lamented Kinder). Adjutant Shank.
Lieutenants Hoggatt. Burwell. Lewis, Foster, Benefiel. Kunkle. Lowder-
milk, Roach and Zelor, with most of the company officers, were also very
active in rallying the men. Captain Sanderson and Lieutenants Davis.
Hogan and Payee and several others were wounded and had to leave the
field. Also Captain Dennis, who had fought like a hero with gun in hand,
found himself unable from fatigue and indisposition to remain longer in
the field.

Paymaster Major Diek having arrived on the field at this moment, was
very active in assisting to rally our broken and scattered forces, received
the colors from their bearer, who was unable to carry them longer, and
handed them to Lieutenant Kunkle, who carried them throughout the day.
These colors, now in possession of Captain Sanderson, were well riddled
with balls, one 24-pound shot, one 0-pound shot and many musket balls
passed through them while they were in the hands of this meritorious
young officer, and they could at all times be seen high above the heads of
the Indiana Brigade moving to and fro wherever it was necessary to meet
and repulse the enemy.

Lieutenant (now Captain) Peck of the Rifle Battalion, who had been
compelled to retire from the mountain to the plain after the fall of his gal
lant old Captain Walker, succeeded in rallying about twenty men and join
ing the Second Indiana and continued to fight gallantly throughout the
day. The severe loss in killed and wounded which the Second Indiana
sustained in action will convey some idea of the danger they faced and the
tenacity with which they struggled. One hundred and seven of the num
ber were killed and wounded.

At or about the time of the retreat of my small command under that
ill-fated order, the riflemen were compelled by superior numbers to aban-

189

don their position on the mountain top and retreat to the plain below. The
cavalry who had been posted some distance in my rear and out of the
range of the enemy's battery to act as circumstances might require, either
to advance upon the enemy and cut them off in case they should retreat or
to succor my small force if they should be compelled to fall back, instead
of affording me the least assistance left their position without receiving
one fire from the enemy and made a precipitate retreat to the rear along
the foot of the mountains, pursued by a large body of Lancers, who suc
ceeded in cutting off and slaughtering quite a number of our forces, most
of them riflemen. If they had made a bold stand and allowed the riflemen
and the Second Indiana to rally on them together they would have been
sufficient to check the enemy before he had gained any considerable ad
vantage.

After these successive and almost simultaneous retreats of the different
forces on the left it remained wholly undefended and the enemy, number
ing several thousand, came pouring down from the mountain and formed
in good order along the foot of the mountain in the rear of the position at
first occupied by our forces. Soon after the retreat of the Second Indiana
and while I was rallying them the Mississippi regiment arrived on the
field and in a most gallant manner engaged the enemy, but were compelled
by vastly superior numbers to fall back. At this time the Third Indiana,
under Colonel Lane, was .ordered into the fight and joined with the Second
Indiana and the Mississippi regiment, composed a force about one-fifth as
large as the enemy, but sufficient to engage them with success. Captain
Sherman with one gun of his battery at this time joined us and the whole
moved forward towards the foot of the mountain and engaged the enemy :
here the artillery proved very effective.

This portion of the enemy's forces became at length confused and was
closely pursued and our artillery continued to waste them away with its
destructive power, and they being separated from the enemy's main force,
would in a short time have been compelled to surrender, when a white
flag was seen on the field and we were ordered to cease firing. We did
so, but the Mexicans continued to fire from their battery, thus covering the
retreat of their forces. This flag was sent to the left wing from General
Taylor in consequence of Santa Ana having sent him a flag, which the
General naturally supposed conveyed propositions either of truce or sur
render, hence the white flag on our part of the battle field. This flag
proved to be nothing more than a stratagem on the part of the Mexican
general 'to extricate that portion of his troops which he saw was absolutely
in our power. During this interchange of flags this portion of his army
was completely in our power, but moved off and made good their retreat to
where the enemy's main force was posted. We now moved some distance
and took position anent a large body of Lancers supported by about two
thousand infantry. The Mississippi and a portion of the Second Indiana
were formed across a narrow ridge between two deep ravines, supported
by one gun from Captain Sherman's battery, and the other part of the Sec
ond Indiana and all of the Third Indiana were on the brow of one of the
ravines and parallel to the same line, being nearly in the shape of an L
and faced by the rear rank. A charge was made on the left flank of the
Third Indiana, now right as they were faced. This charge, it is due the

190

enemy to say, \vus made numt gallantly and was beautifully received by
our force. Delivering our tire when they were in a short distance, it proved
most distressing to the enemy, felling many a horse and its rider, breaking
their column and putting them to flight, leaving many of their compan
ions dead on the field. Soon after this repulse of the enemy the field on
the left was completely cleared of the enemy's forces, and hearing sharp and
continue! firing on our right and to the left of Washington's battery, I put
my command in motion at double quick time for the purpose of taking part
in the conflict. This fire proved to be a severe action between the entire
Mexican infantry and the First and Second Illinois and Second Kentucky
\rolunteers, which was Santa Ana's last and greatest effort. This force had
been repulsed by overwhelming numbers and were retreating in confusion,
hotly pursued by thousands of Mexicans, who were loading and firing on
our men at every jump, when my command, consisting of the Second and
Third Indiana and the Mississippi Regiment, arrived within musket shot,
which we did by coming up suddenly out of a deep ravine, and opened a
destructive fire upon them. Finding themselves thus suddenly attacked
from an unsuspected quarter, they quit the pursuit and formed quickly into
line and returned our fire with considerable effect, but they In return were
compelled to retreat under our well-directed fire to the position they had
occupied in the morning.

This was the last lighting between the infantry and the opposing force
on that memorable day, although the cannon continued to play at intervals
until dark. The battle on the plain was opened, as has been shown, by the
Second Indiana and the last musket that was fired was by the Second and
Third Indiana and the Mississippi Regiment. It should also be stated that
our forces had been under arms since the morning of the 22d and remained
upon the field of battle until the morning of the 24th.

I have here given a brief and faithful account of the operations of the
Indiana Brigade on the 23d of February as came under my observation,
and there was not one minute from the time the battle commenced until
the last gun was fired that I was not with them.

Captain O'Brien, who commanded the battery of artillery posted on my
right at the commencement of the battle, as well as Captain Sherman, who
acted with us a part of the day, are deserving of particular praise for their
gallant conduct, moving and discharging their pieces with all the coolness
and precision of a day of ordinary parade.

The intrepid and honorable conduct of the Second Kentucky and the
First and Second Illinois could not have been exceeded and no recom
mendation of mine could add luster to the glory which should and will be
theirs. There is enough of honor and glory for each man who did his duty
at Buena Vista, and he must be an uncharitable and selfish American citi
zen who would knowingly wish to detract from any portion of that glorious
little army with desire to augment that of any corps at the expense of an
other. The many officers and men who did their duty on that day should
not suffer by invidious comparison.

If I have neglected to particularize the conduct of the Arkansas and
Kentucky Cavalry or to define their positions on the field it is not because
I deem them of little moment or imi>ortance, but for the reason that from
the time of their retreat I had no opportunity of seeing anything of their

191

movements. They participated in. the raucho fight, where the gallant Yell
nobly fell at the head of his column. He was a noble soul, who fell on that
day and who will never be forgotten. The ambition of distinction should
never permit us to deface any portion of his tablet of fame which our
country will erect to the honor of the actors in that battle, and the regu
lar and volunteer army should be proud of it as one of the greatest epochs
in our country's history.

It is due to the commanders of the different batteries of light artil
lery to say that their forces were most powerful and effective towards
gaining the almost unparalleled victory of Buena Vista, ready at all times
to meet the enemy at fearful odds, their guns wasted them away with their
fire in a handsome manner, compelling them to retreat whenever coming
within their range.

Generals Taylor and Wool were present as commanders, the former as
Comma nder-in-Chief : they were exposed to the dangers almost every in
stant of- the day, watching the movements of the enemy and ordering and
disposing of our forces in the best manner to meet and repel them. By
their coolness and courage in gaining this victory they have won laurels
and a fame that will endure as long as a trace of American history shall
exist.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH LANE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Indiana Brigade.

ELECTION OF FIELD OFFICERS FOURTH
REGIMENT.

Madison Courier, June 19, 1847.

At the election of regimental officers at Fort Clarke on the l(>th, Willis
A. Gorman of Monroe County was elected colonel ; Ebenezer Dumont, of
Dearborn County was elected lieutenant-colonel, and William W. McCoy of
Laporte County was ^locted major.

DISSATISFIED VOLUNTEERS.

Madison Courier. June 19. 1847.

We find in the Lawrenceburg Register of the 12th iust. the following
statement, which shows that from a mistake of many of the volunteers as
to the term of their enlistment, the Indiana Regiment (the Fourth) can
scarcely be considered full yet.

"We regret to learn that a good deal of dissatisfaction exists at the
camp at Fort Clarke among the volunteers as to their term of service,
many declaring their determination not to serve longer than one year, and
that they volunteered under the impression that they were to be required
to serve but that length of time, being called for under the same act as
those who went out on the former requisition upon this State. It is thought
that many who have gone to the rendezvous will back out when they come
to take the oath to serve until the end of the war."

192

RECEPTION OF SOLDIERS RETURNED FROM THE

WAR.

N/(//r Sentinel, June 19, 1847.

We understand that the committee appointed to make the arrange
ments for receiving the Indiana Volunteers at the city of Indianapolis
have adopted the following, to wit :

1. As soon as certain information is received of the arrival of the
volunteers at the depot at Edinburg three signal guns will be fired at In
dianapolis, when the citizens will immediately assemble on Washington
street, in front of the Washington Hall, where specific information will be
given.

2. As soon as the volunteers arrive in the vicinity of Indianapolis
thirteen guns will be fired, when the citizens will immediately form in
procession under the order of the marshal and assistant marshals.

3. Inasmuch as it is altogether uncertain as to what time the volun
teers will arrive at and pass through Indianapolis, the committee to pre
pare refreshments have determined to make arrangements with the citi
zens to entertain the volunteers during their stay in Indianapolis.

4. The following gentlemen have been appointed a committee to wait
on the citizens in the several wards and ascertain immediately how many
volunteers they can accommodate during their stay in the city, to wit :

First Ward— Matthew Little and George Plant.

Second Ward — Andrew Smith.

Third Ward— William Biddle.

Fourth Ward — E. Hedderly.

Fifth Ward— S. M. Scoville.

Sixth Ward — Joshua Langsdale.

Seventh Ward — Daniel Carlisle.

It is expected that at least eight companies will pass through Indian
apolis and they will be several days passing through.

His Excellency. James Whitcomb. Governor of Indiana, is appointed to
address the volunteers and ex-Governor Wallace will be appointed chief
marshal, with power to appoint as many assistant marshals as he may
deem proper.

NEWS FROM FORT CLARKE.

Indiana Journal. June 21, 1847.

MADISON, June 17, 1847.
Editor of The Journal :

* * * I feel assured that the new regiment (the Fourth), now at
Fort Clarke, will do honor to the State. They will, judging from the
morale and physique of the men. and going into action with the conviction
that from the delicate position in which the Indianians stood for awhile,
all eyes are gazing upon them to discern what their bearing will be to
compete with northern troops in Mexico for the first honors and most bril
liant achievement of the fight. If their regimental officers are the proper
sort of stuff that they ought to be they will heroize themselves and pro-

193

mulgate from their bayonets and swords a tale of gallantry that will need
no exaggeration to make it a story which distant posterity will repeat in
honor of heroic sires.

Captain John A. Hendricks of this State, who was in the Sixteenth
Infantry, and had command of his company at Matamoros, has resigned
his command. "Farewell, farewell, plumed steeds and big wars. Farewell.
Othello's occupation is gone." His inability to weather the climate is the
cause I hear assigned for his return.

ION.

A SOLDIEE'S LIFE.

Madison Banner. June 23, 1847.

The following are extracts from a private letter written by one of the
Madison boys to his particular friend, who has kindly permitted us to do
what we please with it. The writer, by the way, is well known to our
readers by the anagrammatic name of "Mac Eron." Speaking of the near
approach of the time when the Indiana Volunteers should commence their
march homeward, he says :

I fear you will find me a sadly disordered old fellow, very apt to sit
on the floor and tear my meat with my fingers. All my former yarns about
the famous Clan Cameron, Lochiel and the gallant Prince Charlie will be
superseded by tiresome enough stories of the marshes of Camp Belknap,
the musquitoes of Palo Alto, the fleas of Matamoros, the forced march to
Saltillo, etc. Then, on the other hand, I have arrived at a considerable
proficiency in cooking. I consider myself decidedly the best of the mess
at a beefsteak (and such beefsteaks; good gracious!), but the rest rather
dispute that point, hinting that they do not like raw beef. However, at
soup I am allowed by all hands to be unrivaled. Nay, 1 have occasionally
astonished them (and myself, too,) by a pretty decent imitation of a
stewed beefsteak. I have also occasionally tried my hand at baking, but
from all such bread, good Lord, deliver us. In the bread line I am forced
to fall back into a subordinate position, Vinton Matthews being unani
mously considered the best baker of the lot. Jim Hook and Ed Dickey do
a pretty fair business in the bread and beef line (the eating part, I mean),
and as Joe Orrill, when he cooks, reminds us of the old adage, "God sends
meat, but the devil sends cooks," why, as he has a pair of unsurpassingly
long legs, we have made him water carrier.

Mace, poor old Mace, the best fellow in creation, is in hospital. In
cookery his taste is certainly more unique than pleasant, as he burns up
his beefsteaks and admires bread and fresh pork nearly raw. As for wash
ing, Heaven grant me patience. I must wash this very afternoon. Wash
ing is the very - - mischief. As one of our fellows says: "Guard is a
bore, cooking is a borer, but washing is the borest." Those vile shirts
whose collars and wristbands will keep their deep brown streaks. Those
villainous ragged socks— Oh, darn the socks! Well. well, it is no use

swearing about the abominable rags. They are not worth a straw,

anyhow.

13-18750

194
THE SECOND REGIMENT.

Indiana Sentinel, June 23, 1847.

We find a letter in a late number of the New Albany Bulletin over the
signature of Thomas T. Hogan, a lieutenant of Company G, Second Regi
ment Indiana Volunteers. It is addressed to the New Orleans Tropic, but
the Bulletin is furnished with a manuscript copy by the correspondent. It
briefly relates the principal events relative to the- conduct of the Second
Regiment at Buena Vista. It is unnecessary for us to republish these, for
we have already given them from a dozen sources.

We copy the spirited conclusion of the letter, however, because it ex
poses the name of the officer of the regular army who is said to have been
the author of the first version of those slanderous reports over the signa
ture of "Buena Vista," and which were first brought here in the Louisville
Journal. We don't think, by the way, that Lieutenant Hogan is called
upon to back his denunciations of the author of this calumny in the way
in which he intimates he is ready to do. No decent man would put him
self on a level with such a mean and cowardly person.

Lieutenant Hogan thus concludes his letter :

"Thus ended the fight and here the last man fell who was killed at
Buena Vista. Captain Taggart, of Company E of the Third Regiment of
Indiana.

"It was the Indiana Riflemen who opened the fight on the 22d. The
Second Indiana opened the ball on the 23d and maintained their position
against the whole Mexican army until they were ordered to retreat. It
was the Third Indiana, the strongest on the field, whose ranks never
broke, who never wavered, and who never engaged the enemy without de
feating him, and it was this regiment, on the night of the 23d, thnt occu
pied the advanced position when the enemy drew off. In vi«\v of these
facts, and belieAring the writer 'Buena Vista,' who I undeistKid t > be
Lieutenant Kingsbury of the U. S. Army, intended maliciously to injure
the reputation of the Indiana troops, of which I formed a part, it is with
pleasure that I denounce him to the world as a base calumniator and un
worthy to be ranked as a gentleman. While I thus publicly denounce him.
I wish it distinctly understood that I hold myself responsible.

"It may be proper to add that this course would not have been resorted
to, but Lieutenant Kingsbury left here shortly after the battle and his
whereabouts cannot be ascertained.

"Yours with respect,

"THOMAS T. HOGAN,

"Lieutenant Commanding, Company G, Second Indiana Volunteers."

RECEPTION OF THE BODY OF CAPTAIN KINDER.

Indiana Journal, June 25, 1847.

Saturday, June 19, 1847, in accordance with notice, the young men of
Indianapolis held a meeting for the purpose of making preparations for
the reception of the body of Cnptain Kinder.

The meeting was organized on the motion of R. L. Walpole, by calling

195

J. T. Morrison to the chair and appointing B. R. Sul grove secretary, the
object of the meeting being stated by the chairman.

A. J. Stevens then offered the following, which was adopted:

"The young men of Indianapolis, the friends and acquaintances of the
lamented Captain T. B. Kinder, who fell so gallantly fighting for his coun
try at the renowned Buena Vista, learn that his remains are now on the
way to the home of his relations and of his boyhood, and desiring to ex
press their deep feelings of regret for his untimely death, their admiration
for his noble bearing on the battle field and their sense of his estimable
worth as a citizen, unanimously

"Resolved. That the volunteers of Indiana merit the approbation of the
citizens of Indianapolis for their generous resolve in bringing the remains
of the late Captain Kinder to rest among his early friends and relations.

"Resolved, further. That a committee of three be appointed to make
suitable arrangements for the reception of the same, and that they report
the order of arrangements through the city papers."

Committee of Arrangements — Stevens, Sulgrove and Coburu.

The committee, on motion, then proceeded to vote for orator of the
day. W. H. Haiina. Esq., was appointed.

Ordered that the proceedings of the meeting be published in the papers,
and on motion the meeting adjourned.

Order of Arrangements— The procession will be formed at the Palmer
House and proceed to the limits of the city, where the remains will be met
and escorted to the court house, at which place an oration will be deliv
ered.

Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gillette.

Oration by W. H. Hanna, Esq.

Marshals of the Day— William Campbell and assistants.

The remains will remain uuburied for one or two days at some con
venient place that the citizens may have an opportunity of showing their
respect for the memory of Captain Kinder by visiting the same.

PALL BEARERS.

Aaron Ohr. Albert G. Porter.

A. M. Carnahan. L. S. Sargeaut.

W. L. Morris. R. L. Walpole.

ATTEMPT TO BREAK GUARD.

Indiana Journal, June 25, 1847.

One of the Indiana volunteers, now in camp at Fort Clarke, outside this
city, says the Louisville Courier of Monday, attempted on Saturday night
last to pass out of camp without the countersign. He was severely wound
ed by a sword or knife in the hands of the guard on duty, who in turn
was shot in the thigh by the wounded man. Both wounds are severe, al
though not thought to be mortal.

196
FOURTH EEGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Madison Courier, June 26, 1847.

Colonel Willis A. Gorman, the gallant commander of the new regiment
of volunteers, now organizing in camp at Fort Clarke, has received orders
from the Adjutant- General at Washington, to proceed immediately with his
command to Brazos Island, where he will be placed with the division
under General Taylor. On this information being announced by the Colo
nel the whole regiment expressed the greatest satisfaction, for with "Rough
and Ready" at the helm and Colonel Gorman in immediate command, the
brilliant destiny that awaits them is certain. The companies will all be
full, and a high degree of discipline prevails throughout the ranks.

Indiana Journal, June 29. 1847.

Captain McDougall and a portion of his company arrived at home on
Saturday evening. Captain May of Crawfordsville, with about forty of his
company, passed through this city on their way home on the same evening.

"WHO HE WAS."

Indiana Journal, June 29, 1847.

The other day we alluded to a reference made in this report to a
gallant officer from this State who was unknown to Colonel Davis and
asked: "\Vho is he?"

The New Albany Daily Bulletin, after quoting the inquiry, answers it
as follows: "Captain Nathan Kiinball, Company G, Second Regiment In
diana Volunteers, is the identical officer whose gallantry and heroic con
duct in that sanguinary battle attracted the particular attention of Colonel
Davis of the Mississippi Regiment."

A WISE MOVE.

Indiana Journal, June 30, 1847.

It is said that Colonel Bowles has determined to remain at New Or
leans and set up a drug store.

RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN SQUADS.

Indiana Sentinel, June 30, 1847.

It being expected that the volunteers would return in a body, or at
least by companies, our citizens had made liberal preparations to receive
and entertain them. News having been received that a body of them were
to be here last Saturday, notice was given by a salute from "Old Betsy,"
and up to nearly an hour of their arrival she continued to cough. How
ever, but twenty or thirty arrived and they were members from several

197

companies of the First Regiment, a majority of whom resided in this vi
cinity. Every stage now comes and departs loaded with these brave boys,
among whom we recognize many familiar countenances. In general they
appear in fair health, some in fact improved and some reduced. We sin
cerely hope the latter may speedily recover, as we have no- doubt they will.
We have to record the death of James Craig, aged 19 years, of Green-
castle, who arrived here on Saturday and who was perfectly exhausted
in his anxiety to reach home. Mr. Craig was one of the finest young men
in the army and had enjoyed good health until near his home, when the
fell destroyer overtook him. His remains were conveyed to his home by
his father-in-law, who, on hearing of his sickness, promptly came for him.
His mother — oh, how must she feel in expecting her sick boy, to be thus
greeted? We can only console them by testifying to the unremitting care
and attention he received here during his short but fatal illness, and the
sympathy expressed by all who knew him.

EVANSVILLE, IND., June 30, 1847.

P. M. Kent, J. Montgomery, John B. Wiustandley, Jefferson Connor, Esqs. :

GEXTLEMEX : Your very kind and flattering note inviting me to visit
your city and partake of the hospitality of her generous citizens, came to
hand two days ago. I have thus far delayed answering it with the hope
that I might be able to accept your invitation. This pleasure, I am sorry
to inform you. I will be compelled to forego.

My stay with my family is limited to a very few days. The short
time, therefore, which 1 will have to spare from the public service will be
all engrossed in private business preparatory to my departure for Mexico.

I beg. however, to assure you that nothing would afford me greater
pleasure than to meet my fellow citizens of New Albany at the festive
board. The many acts of kindness which I received from the citizens of
New Albany a year ago during my short stay among you, is gratefully re
membered. For this renewed mark of your confidence and esteem, and for
the very flattering manner in which you have been pleased to speak of my
military service, I return you my sincere thanks.

I am, gentlemen, with high regard, your friend and fellow citizen,

JOSEPH LANE,
Brigadier-General.

SKETCHES IX CAMP.

(By an ex-Reporter of the State Sentinel.)

Indiana Sentinel. June 30, 1847.

NEW ORLEANS, June 17, 1847.

The volunteers have been well received by the citizens of New Orleans.
Several dinners have been made for them and salutes fired, but it may be
proper to remark that although the great mass of the people of this city
have shown their patriotism and liberality on every occasion, yet this great

198

commercial emporium has its full quota of Jews and land-sharks, and
from the manner they formed close column on the soldiers when they were
discharged and paid, and when they separated, deployed as skirmishers
upon their well-earned bounty with apparent friendship and language full
of misrepresentations, led me to believe that this was a great place of ren
dezvous and that all the recruiting officers of the land-shark division had
marched their forces to this spot. It may surprise you when I tell you
that they offered to buy land or scrip from the soldiers for $35.00, and that
some of the soldiers actually made sales on the above terms. Much credit
is due to the officers from our State for advising the soldiers to retain their
land and not let the proceeds of their hard service go to enrich speculators.

General Lane advised the soldiers to keep their land and not sacrifice
it, when they could dispose of it on much better terms in their own State.
Colonel Drake, in his address to the officers and soldiers of the First Regi
ment, said : "I would here suggest to those who have claims upon the
United States for bounty lands, the propriety of retaining them. It has
given me much pain, since our arrival at this place, to see soldiers offering
and selling their claims, which they have so honestly and faithfully earned,
at from $70 to $80, making a sacrifice of at least $120. I hope, at least,
you will not dispose of your claims at this time. If you retain them until
you arrive at home, I doubt not you will be able to make them yield you
at least $200. Your warrants will be sent to you free of charge. Any sale
you may now make, according to the law, is void."

The companies of the First Regiment from Marion, Fountain and
Montgomery have left here for home; the remaining companies will leave
shortly. Colonel Tibbatts of Kentucky, and Major R. G. Norvill of Indiana,
are at Carrollton with a number of recruits for the Sixteenth Infantry,
and are expected to leave here for Mexico in a few days. Two companies
from New Orleans will also receive marching orders to join General Tay
lor's command. The companies of Captains Owen and Hendricks were at
San Francisco and the company of Captain Bethel at Reynosa when we
were on our return from Monterey. * * *

As I no longer sojourn upon the tented field, my sketches in camp will
cease with this number.

Indiana Journal, July 3, Jf<S47.

We learn by a private letter from one of the volunteers that the
Fourth Indiana Regiment was to leave their encampment at Fort Clarke
and proceed to Mexico on last Saturday. The troops generally were in
good health.

ARRIVAL OF COMPANY B, SECOND REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat, July 3, 18Jtl.

Captain Spiceley's company of Hoosier boys, numbering fifty-four men,
rank and file, from Orange County, having in charge the remains of the
brave and noble Kinder, and Captain Kimball's company of Posey Guards
of Washington County, arrived at our wharf on the steamer Glencoe on

199

Thursday last, every demonstration of respect and cordial welcome being
shown them by our citizens. They immediately proceeded on their way
home, their friends being in waiting for them with the proper conveyances.

WELCOME THE BRAVE.

New Albany Democrat, July 3, 1847.

The triumphal arch spanning Wall street, erected by the ladies of New
Albany on the occasion of the return of our volunteers, is certainly one of
the most elegant and beautiful works of the kind we have ever seen. It
is formed of rich flowers and evergreens, beautifully and ingeniously inter
woven, with an appropriate motto suspended in the arch. The brave and
noble men, in commemoration of whose conduct it is intended, cannot but
highly appreciate the feeling which prompted it.

THE WASHINGTON BRASS BAND.

New Albany Democrat, July 3, 1847.

This splendid musical corps of Salem, accompanied by quite a number
of carriages, arrived in our city the day before yesterday and put up at
Warren's Hotel. They are here for the purpose of forming an escort to
Captain Dennis's Riflemen on their return.

DEPARTURE OF THE FOURTH INDIANA FOR
MEXICO.

Indiana Sentinel, July 3, 1847.

JEFFERSONVILLE, June 27, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — You will please to notice in your paper the em
barkation of the Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, which will take
place tomorrow, on the following steamboats, and in the order herein
stated, to wit :

Steamer "Saladin" — Company A, Captain John M. Wallace; Company
B, Captain Jesse J. Alexander; Company C, Captain William F. Bald-
ridge; Company D. Captain Edward Lander; under the order of Willis
A. Gorman, Colonel.

Steamer "Franklin"— Company E, Captain Michael Fitzgibbon ; Com
pany I, Captain A. L. Mason; Company G, Captain Daniel Landerman ;
under the order of Lieutenant-Colonel Durnont.

Steamer "General Hamer" — Company II, Captain London Cockran ;
Company F, Captain John W. Crook ; Company K, Captain Robert Fravell ;
under the order of Major McCoy.

The regiment proceeded today from the place of rendezvous to Jeffer-
sonville and was drawn up in solid column for the purpose of receiving

200

from tbe ladies of this city a splendid stand of regimental colors. This
gift from the fair and patriotic ladies of Jeffersonville was received into
hands strong to protect it in every emergency and by hearts warm and
ardent to appreciate its value. Adjutant-General Reynolds supported the
flag and Captain Edward Lander, in behalf of the ladies, delivered a neat,
eloquent and patriotic address which was, on behalf of the regiment, re
sponded to by Colonel Willis A. Gorman in a strain of deep feeling and
high resolve, causing the tear to start from many a fair eye, and the manly
heart of many a gallant soldier to swell with emotion. A fine band at
tached to the regiment then struck up the "Star Spangled Banner" as the
troops whirled into open column under the sound of "instrumental har
mony that breathed heroic ardor to adventurous deeds," and proceeded to
their former position at Fort Clarke. ALEX. McCLELLAND.

EETUBN OF LIEUT.-COL. HENRY S. LANE.

Indiana Journal, July 5, 1847.

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry S. Lane, of the First Regiment Indiana Vol
unteers, passed through this city on last Friday on his way home. He is
in better health than he has been for many years. No young man in the
State has more warm and sincere friends than Henry S. Lane, and right
glad will they be to hear of his safe return and of the restoration of his
heretofore feeble constitution.

THE BARTHOLOMEW VOLUNTEERS.

Company F, Third Regiment.

From History Bartholemew County.

Company F was in the service about twelve and a half months. The
company was mustered in at New Albany with eighty-eight men, and mus
tered out at New Orleans with sixty-four men. They came home by way
of Madison, reaching Columbus, July 4, 1847.

COMPLIMENT TO FOURTH INDIANA.

Indiana Journal, July 5, 1847.

The Louisville Courier of the 29th ult says: "The Fourth Regiment
of Indiana Volunteers, under Colonel Gorman, embarked yesterday for New
Orleans on the steamboats Saladin, M. B. Hamer and Carolina. They will
proceed without delay to join General Taylor at his headquarters. The
regiment is composed of a fine-looking body of men and they took their
departure in the finest possible spirits. That they will serve their country
honorably, faithfully and with credit to themselves we have every con
fidence.

201
THE LAXESVILLE LEGION.

Albany Democrat, July 6, 1847.
This gallant company, for the safety of whose passage across the gulf
some fears were entertained, have reached New Orleans, received their dis
charges and a portion of them arrived at this city yesterday on board the
Alex. Scott. The remainder will be up today on the Empire.

NEARLY ALL AT HOME.

Indiana Journal, July 6, 1847.

The volunteers from this State, those of them who are alive, have
pretty nearly all returned. Wagon loads of them have whirled through our
streets for several days past to their respective homes, once more to mingle
with their fellow-citizens in the common avocations and pursuits of every
day life.

To say they met^ a warm and welcome reception from their relatives
and friends would be superfluous to the last degree. A hearty shake of the
hand, the heart overflowing with expressions of joy the tongue could not
utter, but of which the silent tear down many a manly cheek spoke too
plainly to be misunderstood. The reception of a mother to her returning
boy, the wife to her husband, the child to its father, and the tender, con
fiding girl to her lover, tell of the reunion of sympathies and ties whose
mysterious influences hold their vigils within the inner chamber of the
soul and into whose sanctuary the thoughtless dare not venture.

There were five full companies went from this congressional district ;
but few of them were in the battles which slayed their hundreds, but all
of them were exposed to the pestilence that walketh at noonday which
slayed its thousands, and we venture to say, from what has already come
to our knowledge, that their ranks have been reduced from the full com
plement of 80 or 90 per company, to something near 50.

Out of several that reached this place, in great delibity, within forty
miles of his home, a young man died last Monday at Drake's Hotel. His
lifeless corpse and a Christian burial alone remain to console the disap
pointment of a bereaved family. Oh, war, war, grini-visaged war ; what
untold miseries, follow thy footsteps.

FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES AT NEW ALBANY.

New Albany Democrat, July 6, 1847.

On yesterday the citizens of New Albany performed the last sad duties
to the remains of Robinson. Goff, Stevens and Bailey, who fell at Buena
Vista.

Early in the morning citizens of both sexes began to assemble at dif
ferent points from which could be seen the procession of military, etc. The
funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Holliday. Owing to the

202

dense multitude in attendance few could hear the discourse. We are told
by those who did hear it that it was eloquent and impressive. After the
ceremonies at the church the procession formed in the following order,
under the direction of Colonel P. F. Tuley as chief marshal, and Messrs.
I. P. Smith, J. B. Anderson, A. P. Willard and A. S. Rager as assistant
marshals :

First — New Albany brass band.

Second— Military.

Third — Clergy of different denominations.

Fourth — Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Fifth — Remains of the dead on a car drawn by six horses.

Sixth — Relatives of the deceased in carriages.

Seventh — Company of the Spencer Grays as mourners and pallbearers.

Eighth — Calliopean Society.

Ninth — Sons of Temperance.

Tenth — Indiana Volunteers returned from Mexico.

Eleventh — Mayor and Council.

Twelfth — Committee of Arrangement and Reception.

Fourteenth — Fire companies.

Sixteenth— Citizens on foot.

Seventeenth — Citizens in carriages and on horseback.

In this order the procession moved to the Northern graveyard, during
which time minute guns were fired. One of the deceased being a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the lodge of which he was a
member performed the beautiful funeral services of that order over his
grave, the Rev. M. Lair, chaplain of the New Albany Lodge, officiating.
After the coffins were laid in the vault, each Odd Fellow present threw into
the grave a sprig of evergreen, a token of ttiat life beyond the grave to
which every brother aspires, after which an eloquent closing prayer was
offered by Rev. C. W. Ruter. The military, societies, citizens, etc., then
returned to the public square in the same manner in which they went, and
disbanded.

The Spencer Grays, who attended as mourners and pallbearers to their
deceased comrades, were the observed of all observers. They, who were
by their side when they fell on the bloody field, who, although since they
left their homes a year ago have seen death in a thousand forms, could not
but feel melancholy in thus consigning to the tomb, in the scenes of their
childhood and their homes, some of their most loved companions.

EEAPPOINTMENT OF GENERAL LANE.

Indiana Sentinel, July 7, /<S'47.

The New Albany Democrat of July 3 says that General Lane, having
received a reappointiiiont. will leave home in a few days for the seat of
war. We learn that General Lane will join the division of the army under
Major-General Scott.

203
HOME FROM THE WARS.

Xcic Albany Democrat, July 8, 1847.

The Spencer Grays, Captain Sanderson of this city, and the Washing
ton Riflemen, Captain Dennis of Saleni, arrived at our 'city this morning
about 4 o'clock. They were cordially welcomed by our citizens, thousands
of whom crowded our wharf to welcome to their homes the gallant heroes
of Buena Vista.

Xeic Albany Democrat, July 8, 1847.

TWENTY-FOUR MILES FROM VERA CRUZ,

MEXICO, June 10, 1847.

EDITOR NEW ALBANY DEMOCRAT — Three companies of Dragoons, with
a detachment of volunteer infantry under command of Major Lee, left
camp near Vera Cruz as an escort to a large wagon train on the 4th inst.
Early in the day of the 7th, our train being too much extended, we were
attacked by a baud of rancheros. The attack was made on Captain Ford's
company of Dragoons. The enemy being concealed in the chaparel, could
not be charged. The company fell back and aided in bringing up the train
and placing it in a defensive position, after which we attacked the yellow
skins and made them take to the mountains. They left some of their
number, and the marks of blood left on the ground indicated that more
had been killed or badly wounded than could be found. on the ground after
the battle was over. The victory was in our favor, but it was not one
without cost. We have to mourn the fate of John H. Gibson, Sack Pen-
nington and Samuel Redden, killed, and Joseph Corwin, James Brooks and
Thomas Graves, wounded, none of them. I think, seriously. Besides the
above there were several of the infantry and others killed and wounded, in
all about twenty. I write this in great haste to send by a party of dis
charged volunteers returning to Vera Cruz. The returning volunteers re
port General Scott within thirty-five miles of the City of Mexico.

Yours, etc.,

R. S.

FRANKLIN COUNTY SOLDIERS WELCOMED HOME.

Brookville American, July 9, 1847.

The volunteers from Franklin County returned on Monday last. They
are in good health and spirits. They received a cordial welcome from our
citizens.

In our community there is the right feeling on the subject of this and
all other wars in which our country may be engaged. They believe in sus
taining our flag and those who defend it, no matter on what soil it is
reared or in what cause it floats. When our regularly constituted au
thority has once declared us at war with another nation, we care not
whether it be Christian or un-Christian. moral or immoral, right or wrong,
our country must be sustained.

Whenever our army is in the field our eagle is screaming in the air
and our cannon are battering down the walls and serried columns of bur

204

enemy, we are for him who does and dares the most. When we are at
war we believe in killing as many of our enemies and destroying as much
of their property in as short a time as may he and with the least possible
loss on our part. This is our view of war.

On Tuesday next we understand a public dinner will be given those
volunteers who have so noblv sustained our nation and our honor.

New Albany Democrat, July 10, 1847.

We are indebted to Captain H. W. Smith of the splendid steamer Em
pire for a lot of New Orleans and Memphis papers. The Empire brought
up 250 cabin and 2G5 deck passengers, as also a part of the Second and
Third Indiana and Colonel Curtis's Ohio Regiment of Volunteers.

New Albany Democrat, July 10, 1847.

Dr. Catlin of the Spencer Grays, who came up a passenger on the Em
pire, will accept our thanks for a package of late New Orleans papers.

New Albany Democrat, July 10, 1847.

We learn from the Telegraph that there was a large concourse of peo
ple at Paoli on the occasion of the ceremonies over the body of Captain
Kinder. John Frazer, Esq.. pronounced a eulogium on the life and char
acter of the deceased.

PRESENTATION OF A FLAG.

Louisville Democrat, July 8, 1847.

To Captain Landers's Company, Fourth Regiment, by General Reynolds, on

behalf of the ladies of Indianapolis :

At 11 o'clock yesterday, Captain Landers, at the head of his fine com
pany, Colonel Gorman on horseback, marched from the encampment and
formed in front of the Bowman House in Jeffersonville, to receive from the
Adjutant-General of Indiana a splendid flag presented by the ladies of In
dianapolis. Captain Landers stood in front of his company, and Colonel
Gorman to the left of the General supporting the flag, while he made an
address from which the following is an extract :

Captain Landers, and the Officers and Members of the Marion County
Infantry — A few weeks ago I accompanied you to the suburbs of the capital
of our beloved State and addressed a few words to you as you gave a fare
well glance at the scenes of your childhood. As my eye ran along your
column filing away into the forest towards the seat of war. it discovered
that something was yet wanting. No beautiful banner floated on your
right, for the ladies of our capital city had not anticipated so early a de
parture, but now I have the pleasure of telling you, yes. of showing you
that they have accomplished that which they at first intended to do.

Volunteers, do you see this exquisitely beautiful banner? See you not
its ample folds of richest satin? Its silken field of snow-white, a fitting
emblem of the pure patriotism of the fair donors? See you not the glori
ous thirteen stripes, alternating in silver white and richest crimson and
representing in numbers the original thirteen states joined in union by our

205

revolutionary fathers as are these thirteen stripes by the hands of their
patriotic daughters?

Soldiers, see you that constellation of golden stars, one for each state
now in this union? See you this reserved spot where other stars shall yet
rise as twinkling representations of new-born states and whose infantile
breathings shall yet be heard as they spring from the new deep solitude
of the mighty west and southwest? See you not the expanded pinions of
our bird of Jove, the American Eagle, drawn by the pencil of the cele
brated Cox? See him as he circles amid the starry constellation casting
his keen eye over the doings of the nations of the earth in a never sleeping
vigil. See him bearing in one of his talons the olive branch of peace, and
in the other the barbed arrows.

Volunteers of the Marion County Infantry, by special request, I have
the distinguished honor this day of presenting to yon. in the name of the
patriotic ladies of Indianapolis, this exquisitely beautiful star-spangled
banner. It was made by the skill of their own hands and is presented as
a farewell offering of their hearts. Accept it then, soldiers, as a memorial
of the affection the fair donors bear you. Among them are some of your
wives, your mothers, your sisters. . They are all your friends, friends of
their country, friends of the brave volunteers, defenders of its flag, its
honor, its glory, its inimitable interests. This is the gift of woman, "her
self the noblest gift to man." Xay. more, it is the gift of our fair towns-
women of the capital of Indiana, fairer and more patriotic than whom,
permit me deferentially to say. the sun in his course never shone upon.
You are their representatives on our country's battle-field. That you will
do honor to our common country by deeds of valor they entertain not a
single doubt. Then take this flag. Give its rich folds to the breeze of
Heaven, whether you march over bloody Bueua Vista, the consecrated spot
where fell our beloved and gallant Kinder. Walker. Taggart and other
brave Indianians, and on whose mountain side your gallant Colonel now
supporting this flag during its presentation, earned and received laurels
that will fade only when the written and unwritten history of the country
shall have perished, or whether you inarch through Cerro Gordo on your
way to the now desecrated halls of Montezuma. I say whenever you
march through that treacherous nation, when your martial band shall pour
"Hail Columbia" through the mountains and valleys of that land of tyr
anny, then unfurl this rich banner and call before you the living features
of those whose handiwork it is.

May the God of Battles protect you and your banner, and when the
angel of peace shall again visit the two nations and the southern breezes
no longer be laden with the din of battle, and the wail of the dying soldier,
then, if not before, may you return with unshaken ranks to the bosom of
your friends, covered with untarnished glory, bearing back to the hands
that made it this rich banner, pierced though it may be by many a ball and
rent though it may be many a hundred lances."

To which the gallant Captain Landers replied as follows, on behalf
of the company, from which we make the following extract :

"General Reynolds — In accepting in the name of the Marion County
Infantry, this standard that the kind feeling and true patriotism of the
ladies of Indianapolis have caused them to send to us, citizens of their

206

county, to encourage us in a new path of duty by a token of their remem
brance as unexpected as it is valued, permit me in the first place, to say
that to us this flag has an additional value in being presented to us by the
hands of one who has always shown himself anxious for the honor of his
State, proud of the valor of our sons, and ever willing to devote to the
welfare of her citizen soldiers his time, his talents and his energies. * * *
"Now, sir, let me say through you to those who have entrusted this
flag to our charge, that when our term of service shall be over, whether it
may be our fortune to return as we now go forth, with full and crowded
ranks, or whether we return with them thinned with the storm of battle ;
whether this flag that now waves before us be then as it now is, gorgeous
and splendid with its varied blazonry, or dimmed by the smoke of battle
and torn by the hail of bullets, still, it shall be returned, and then I hope
'it will be found that the flag woman's kindness has prepared, man's cour
age has not disgraced."

THE RETURNING HEROES.

Madison Courier, July 10, 1847.

For two weeks past the wharf of our city has from day to day been
crowded with anxious citizens found there to greet the arrival of friends
and relatives. In that time all of the First Regiment have passed through
our city on their way to their homes in the interior, and a great part of the
Third have also gone home. Their successive arrival have been greeted
with the discharge of loud-mouthed cannon and hearty congratulations.
Although their return in small parties has prevented the honor of a public
reception to evince the general gratitude, yet we trust each one has been
highly gratified on his return.

The Madison companies seem to have been in an especial m.iimer fa
vored during the campaign. There was but one or two deaths juuou^ t!i«»m
from disease, they lost but one man in battle, and yet it is no\v r^a: -rally
believed that the regiment to which they were attached killed more Mexi
cans at Buena Vista than any other.

Captain Ford arrived home on Thursday and there was great enthu
siasm evinced by the crowd on the wharf to see him and take him by the
hand.

The "Star Spangled Banner," the steamboat on which some hundred
and fifty men of the Third Indiana were coming up from New Orleans,
struck a snag near Baton Rouge on the 29th ult, and sunk in a few min
utes in deep water. By this accident several German immigrants it is
supposed were drowned, and some of the volunteers lost their baggage.

The remains of six of the privates of the Indiana Volunteers from
Vevay, and those of Lieutenant Eller from Bloomington, were on board,
arid of course sank with the boat.

The public dinner to be given to the returned volunteers by our citi
zens will take place on AVednesday next.

New Albany Democrat, July 10, 1847.

We learn that Colonel Bowles of the Second Regiment Indiana Vol
unteers arrived in this city yesterday evening and took rooms at the High
Street Hotel.

207
DINNER TO GENERAL LANE.

A'eic Albany Democrat, July 13, 1847.

We learn from the Evausville Journal that the citizens of that place
gave to General Lane a public dinner on the 3d inst. The mayor welcomed
General Lane to his home, and concluded by offering the following toast:

By the Chairman — "Brigadier-General Joseph Lane, the farmer, states
man and soldier ; a worthy and valuable citizen ; a brave and successful
general and an honor to every station in which fortune has placed him."
To which the General responded in a feeling manner, defending the charac
ter of the brave troops from the charge made against them by letter writers
in the army. A large number of regular and volunteer toasts were drank
on the occasion and the utmost good feeling seemed to pervade the as
sembly.

THE LATE CAPTAIN KINDER,

Indiana Journal, July 13, 1847.

By letters received from Paoli we learn that the remains of Captain
Kinder will leave there today for this place under the escort of his late
company. They will probably reach here on Saturday next. He will be
iat rreti with military honors on Monday at 10 o'clock a. in. The pro-
u .n" fvremouies will be given in due time.

New Albany Democrat, July 15, 1847.

The Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under command of Colonel
Gorman, which left here two weeks since on the steamers Saladin, Ben
Franklin No. 6 and M. B. Harner, arrived at New Orleans in safety.

FUNERAL OF LIEUTENANT PARR.

Salern Republican, July 16, 1847.

On Thursday morning the citizens of the county to the number of
about 2,000 turned out to perform the last sad duties to the remains of the
lamented Thomas Carr Parr, who fell at Buena Vista. Lieutenant Parr
was a brave and gallant officer and a worthy and highly esteemed citizen.

HOME COMING OF CASS COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Journal, July 16, 1847.

The Cass County Volunteers were received at Logausport on the 5th
inst. with every demonstration of respect. An address was delivered by
Dr. Fitch, a 'sumptuous dinner served up by Captain Vigus, and a recep
tion ball given in the evening. A great number of patriotic toasts were

208

read. Among others we notice the following which does infinite credit to
the heart of its author:

By a lady — "PEACE" — May our rulers offer such terms to the Mexi
cans as can be acceded to. Although war brings to view heroes and heroic-
deeds to claim our admiration, yet my sympathies as a woman make me
wish to see no more beggared wives and children.

BROOKYILLE HONOES THE SOLDIERS.

Brookville American, July 16,

The parade in honor of the volunteers who have returned from Mexico
to this and adjoining counties, came off on last Tuesday. It was indeed a
proud day for Brookville.

About nine o'clock the people began to flock in from the country to
give a hearty welcome home to the brave defenders of our flag and our
honor, and before eleven o'clock the streets and public square were crowded
with ladies and gentlemen. A procession was formed at the public square
by Major Barrow acting as marshal, and Daniel I). Jones as assistant
marshal, and marched to the grove near Butler's springs, about one mile
from town, where the oration was delivered by John M. Johnson, Esq.,
after which the assembly was addressed in short but appropriate speeches
by Colonel McCarty, Mr. Matson and others, interspersed with music by
the band.

THE WELCOME HOME.

Madison Courier, July 11, 1

Wednesday was a great day in Madison ; news had spread that a
formal welcome and dinner were to be given to the returned volunteers who
went from this city and vicinity on that day, and at an early hour the
people from the whole country round seemed to be forging to town, men,
women and children showing the liveliest enthusiasm and affection cher
ished by the people for those who go forth to do battle at the call of the
country.

The companies being drawn up on either side of the stand and order
obtained, Rev. Mr. G. Green made a prayer and then General Stapp arose
and delivered the welcoming address. * * *

The flag had been brought back, the one presented by the ladies of this
city to Captain Sullivan's company, afterwards selected as the flag of the
regiment, and borne by Ensign William F. Stewart of Captain Ford's com
pany. This flag, with its crimson stripes faded and its once bright stars
dimmed by the storms of heaven and the smoke of battle, bore ample proof
in its tattered condition, rent by cannot ball and chain shot, of the scene
of peril through which it had passed. The gallant standard-bearer came
in for a full share of the encomiums bestowed upon this portion of the un
faltering Third.

Colonel James H. Lane, commander of the regiment at Buena Vista,
made the response on behalf of the companies.

209

Madison Courier, July 11, 1847.

The volunteers from New Albany, Indiana, who fell at the battle of
Buena Vista, were interred there on Monday with all the honors due to de
parted worth. The ceremonies were of the most imposing nature.

BURIAL OF CAPTAIN T. B. KINDER.

Indiana Sentinel, July 17, 1847.

On Monday last the funeral of Captain T. B. Kinder, whose remains
had been brought from the Rio Grande, took place in this city, and the
melancholy ceremonies were attended by a very large concourse of citizens.
The escort duty was performed by the company of volunteers from Paoli,
formerly under command of Captain Kinder, but now of Captain Spicely,
and the company of Captain Landrey of this county also performed duty
on this occasion. A large company of ladies and citizens on foot accom
panied the remains from the residence of the father of the deceased to the
State House Square. Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Mr. Kava-
naugh. A funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Gillette and some
very appropriate remarks in the way of eulogy upon the virtues and gen
erous qualities of the deceased were made by the Rev. Mr. Ames, after
which the funeral train under the military escort above mentioned, to
gether with others of the volunteer officers and privates, proceeded to the
graveyard, where an oration was pronounced by John T. Morrison, Esq.
The remains were then interred with the customary military honors.

Thus passed away one who had high hopes of earthly promotion and
fame and many long years of happiness. His memory will long be treas
ured by all who loved him so well while he lived and who so sorrowfully
lament his early death.

CAPTAN TAGGART'S DYING WORDS.

Albany Democrat, July 18, 1847.

(In the accounts of the battle of Buena Vista, it is said that the last
man killed in the American lines was Captain Taggart of Brown County,
Indiana. When struck down by a shot from the Mexican battery, and
knowing himself to be dying, he exclaimed, whilst extending his sword to
a comrade : "HERE, TAKE IT ; I CAN USE IT NO MORE. BUT TELL THE BOYS

TO FIGHT ON OUR CAUSE IS JUST I"

Here, take my sword, dear comrade,

For I am dying now;

But yet I feel not death's stern hand

Upon my pallid brow.

I care not, though my heart's rich blood

Is ebbing fast and free,

If I but hear my comrade's shout,

"On! on to victory."

14-18750

210

My sword, my good old keen-edged blade,

Is red with foeinan's blood;

From many a gory wave has drank,

With honor for its food.

Oh! bear it on. to battle still,

Where justice bids it fall ;

The arm that wielded it grows chill —

My sword ! oh, now, farewell !

Hence! ye and it have work to do,

Sword, friends, and comrades, ALL ;

"OUR CAUSE is JUST !" then boldly strike

For honor — live or fall.

Oh, wield the sword of Taggart well,

Amidst the thickest fight ;

And think how oft HE proudly drew

It, in his country's right.

I fall, but oh, "OUR CAUSE is JUST!"

I glory here to die;

I scorn a coward, fainting heart,

Though death is in my eye.

Press on! brave boys, nor basely yield

Though serried ranks may blaze ;

Stout hearts will nerve each arm to strike,

And paeans of triumph raise.

The boom of cannons greet my ear,

The cloud of battle lowers;

Once more my pulses wildly spring

Though numbered are my hours.

Ha ! shouts of Victory rend the air ;

My heart with death grows chill :

FIGHT ON, BRAVE BOYS, "OUR CAUSE is JUST!"

GOD AND OUR COUNTRY STILL!

Indiana Journal, July 19, 1847.

The New Albany Bulletin announces the arrival of Colonel Bowles at
that place on the llth hist., in good health, though much reduced in flesh
since his campaign in Mexico. He proceeded to his place of residence in
Paoli.

OFF FOR MEXICO.

Indiana Sentinel, July 21,

Five companies of the Fourth Kegiment of Indiana Volunteers sailed
from New Orleans for the Brazos on the 7th inst. The remainder of the
regiment were to sail on the 8th and 9th.

211

Madison Courier, August 21, 1847.

Many persons in this city and State will regret to see announced in the
Mexican news the death of Lieutenant Spear S. Tipton, a gallant officer.

Brookville American, July 21, 1848.

Several companies of the Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers have ar
rived at Madison and will be discharged next week. Some of the boys from
this countv have arrived at home.

SOLDIERS' SERVICES APPRECIATED.

Indiana Sentinel, July 21, ISJtf.

A public dinner, and other services, in honor of the returned volun
teers, was given in Franklin County on the 13th inst. John M. Johnson,
Esq., delivered an address which was responded to by Colonel McCarty.
G. B. Tingley and others also made short addresses. The Democrat says :

"At the dinner table, where things were done up right, good humor
seemed to be the order of the day. The drinking of toasts, the roaring of
cannon and music by the baud all plainly told it was a day of rejoicing."

A smaller celebration was had in Sullivan County on the 10th, an ac
count of which we have in the Vincenues Gazette. It was estimated that
not less than 5,000 persons were present, 2,000 ladies. The Hon. John W.
Davis was the orator of the day. A patriotic ode, composed for the oc
casion, was sung by its author, Judge John S. Davis. Responses were
made to the oration and ode by Captain Briggs and Lieutenant-Colonel
Haddin. The Gazette concludes its account by saying :

"The reception given by the people of Sullivan was one worthy of the
brave soldiers who had gone forth to do battle under the stars and stripes
and those who spilled their life's blood in the service of the country and
who were not permitted to receive the kindly welcome of kindred and
friends at home, were held in dear remembrance and the big tear rolled
down many a cheek as allusions were made to the gallant dfcad. Braver
soldiers than the Sullivan County Guards never gathered under the folds
of the American flag."

A letter dated Columbus, Indiana. June 12th, says :

"The volunteers have all returned and are right side up — every man.
Next Saturday we have a meeting to make arrangements for a dinner for
the whole Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, to be given by the Haw-
patch farmers."

In Shelby County a festival in honor of the volunteers of that county
will take place on Friday, July 23d.

212

SUICIDE OF LIEUTENANT MERRIFIELD, FIRST
DRAGOONS.

Indiana Journal, July 21. y >'.)?'.

A letter from Vera Cruz, dated June 2J), says: "Lieutenant Merri-
tield, of Captain Ford's company of Indiana Dragoons, this morning blew
his brains out with a pistol at the camp near the city. No one can tell
what impelled him to the foolish deed. lie was in town last Monday in
perfectly good spirits and no suspi: ion was entertained that anything was
wrong with him. He was temporarily attached to Duperu's command.
The Governor has ordered him to be buried this afternoon at the camp
without any military honors whatever."

A NARROW ESCAPE FROM SHIPWRECK.

New Orleans Picayune, July 22, 1847.

The steamship yacht, Captain Crane, arrived here yesterday morning
from Galveston, having sailed thence on the 10th. The most important in
telligence of this arrival relates to the explosion of one of the boilers of
the U. S. steamer Ann Chase, Captain Harrison. The Ann Chase left this
port on the Oth ir-st. -with two companies of the Fourth Indiana Regiment
on board, under Colonel Gorman, bound for Brazos. As the facts are told
in the Civilian, of the tiring on the morning of the 12th inst, between
Calcasien and the mouth of the Sabine. where the Ann Chase had been
some hours at anchor, one of her boilers burst. No one was killed imme
diately by the explosion, but Private Firman V. Carmichael of Company A,
and James Dolan of Pittsburgh, died during the day. After the explosion
Colonel Gorman. Captain Wallace and about forty soldiers wore landed
in Louisiana, intending to proceed to Galveston by some other means of
conveyance, as the officers doubted the ability of the boat to proceed.

The captain, however, succeeded in repairing the damages so far as to
reach Galveston on the 14th. Colonel Gorman .had deemed it advisable
to land all the troops and with Captain Harrison and a few of the men,
went ashore^ in order to despatch a messenger to Captain Payn, quarter
master at Galveston. Captain Harrison returned to the steamer and was
desired by the Colonel to send ashore the remainder of the troops that
night, which was not effected on account of the timidity of some of the
men (a heavy sea being running) and the mutinous conduct of the crew.
The next morning he succeeded in landing about thirty-five, but the boat
and crew not returning, ai:d the sea subsiding, Captain Harrison deemed it
proper to run for a port, and not being able to effect a landing at Sabine.
proceeded to Galveston; where he arrived without further accident, beating
the express.

A messenger reached Galveston on the 15th announcing the arrival
at the Sabine of the troops who went ashore. The schooner Star was at
once despatched thither with provisions for their relief, and to take the
men on to Galveston.

Colonel Gorman, Captain Wallace and Mr. Jackson, sutler, reached
Galveston by land, having traveled all night, and made the journey in

213

twenty-four hours. The march from where the men landed in Louisiana
was a very hard one, provisions being very scarce and the distance being
twenty-three miles in the hot sun. Having been marched in one instance
without water the troops arrived at Sabine much fatigued, but all well.
One man only, Solomon Harpold. a private in Company A, was left sick
on the route. He was provided with quarters in a family, but was left
in a good deal of distress.

On the same day that the Ann Chase arrived Captain Payn despatched
an express to Colonel Gorman, advising him of the means taken by Cap
tain Payn to relieve and take on the troops. The messenger met Colonel
Gorman about half way to the Sabiue. The troops would remain there
until the Star arrived. The schooners Star and Lavina were chartered
at Galveston to carry the troops on to the Brazos, as some time would be
required to repair the boilers of the Ann Chase.

BOUND FOE THE BIO GRANDE.

Indiana Sentinel, July 2-'f, IS.}?'.

The five remaining companies of the Fourth Indiana Regiment leave
today for the Rio Grande. Captain Wallace's company and Captain Alex
ander's company on the Ann Chase, accompanied by the Colonel ; Captain
Cook's, Captain Baldridge's and Captain Lauders's on the Sophia Walker,
in command of Major McCoy. This regiment is said to be constituted of
the best men in Indiana. The pride of the State has been wounded by
recent events. Her sons have come forward with alacrity to assert her
courage and her patriotism. Success to them and their gallant Colonel. —
New Orleans Picavune, Julv 9th.

GENERAL LANE'S NEW BRIGADE.

Indiana Journal, July 26, IS-)?.

We learn from a letter written by General Lane to Colonel Drake,
just shown us by the latter gentleman, that General Lane's command is
constituted of the following troops: First Regiment of foot, one company
of horse from Illinois, one regiment Indiana foot, five companies foot from
New Jersey, one company of foot and one company of horse from Florida
and five companies of Texas horse, which has been assigned to General
Taylor's division of the army.

THE LANESVILLE BARBECUE.

\eic Alb an}/ Democrat, July 29, 1847.

A barbecue got up by the citizens of Lanesville and vicinity in honor
of that gallant and brave corps of soldiers, the Lanesville Legion, we are
told by a gentleman present on the occasion, was one of the best ar-

214

ranged that he ever had the fortune of attending, and one that did honor
to those who had a hand in getting it up. Mr. Linn welcomed the volun
teers in an appropriate address and Captain Frank McRae replied in be
half of the soldiers. The New Albany Brass Band enlivened the eornpan>
by their soul-stirring music.

Madison Courier, July 31, 1847.

COLUMBUS, INDIANA, July 29, 1847.
Captain Ford :

SIR — Yourself and the entire company under your command, late of
the United States service in Mexico, are respectfully invited to attend a
barbecue to be given by the citizens of Bartholomew County to the Third
Regiment Indiana Volunteers on Friday, the 6th of August.

Very respectfully,

ISAAC S. BOARDMAN.

MONUMENT TO CAPTAIN WALKER.

New Albany Democrat, August 3, 1847.

The citizens of Evansville, Indiana, propose to erect a monument, by
subscription, to Captain William Walker and those members of his com
pany who fell at Buena Vista. Subscriptions not to exceed $1 each. A
book containing the names of the subscribers and the muster roll of Cap
tain Walker's company will be deposited in the monument for preserva
tion.

"THE LETTER THAT NEVER CAME."

Indiana Journal, August 3, 1847.

We understand from the Paoli Telegraph, a loco foco paper, that
"Colonel Bowles is preparing, as fast as his health will permit, a full and
complete account of his own and the conduct of General Lane in the battle
of Buena Vista, so far as relates to the Second Indiana Regiment, which
will be submitted to the public at the earliest possible moment for exam
ination and decision."

INDIANA COLORS NOT CAPTURED.

Indiana Journal, Any list 6, 1847.

On the first page of this paper is an article from the New Orleans
Delta in relation to the prisoners at Encarnacion, which will be read with
interest. It, however, contains an error in fact in relation to the colors
of the Indiana regiments. They were not taken by the Mexicans at
Buena Vista, but were brought home. Those of the Second Regiment, rid
dled with bullet holes, ' are now in possession of Captain Sanderson of
New Albany. Captain Heady was not taken between Mier and Oamargo,
but on the other side of Saltillo.

215
FOURTH INDIANA COMPLIMENTED.

Neiv Albany Democrat, August 10, 1847.

The Galveston Civilian on the 21st of July says : "The Indiana Vol
unteers have all left for the Rio Grande. A portion were taken on the
Tom Jack as it was found that the Star and Lavina could not accommo
date all comfortably. The quiet and orderly behavior of the men while
here when off duty and free from all restraint was an object of general
remark. If they sustain the credit of their State as well in battle as they
have done here we shall hear no more reproaches cast upon Indiana
troops."

Indiana Sentinel, August 21, 1847.

Lieutenant Tipton of Indiana was not killed, as reported, but died at
Puebla of disease.

THE FOUETH INDIANA REGIMENT ARRIVES IN

MEXICO.

Madison Courier, August 21, 1847.

Colonel Gorman, with four companies of the Indiana Volunteers,
passed up the Rio Grande on the 25th ult. on the Big Hatchee ; Lieuten
ant-Colonel E. Dumont, with two companies, on the 25th on the Colonel
Hunt, and the remaining four were on the Colonel McKee, at the mouth
of the river, all bound for the camp of instruction. The regiment is
nearly one thousand strong and has suffered the loss of but four men since
leaving Indiana.

ANXIOUS TO GO TO WAR.

Indiana Sentinel, August 25, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — The following correspondence between the Secre
tary of War and the undersigned is given to the public for the informa
tion of all concerned.

Your obedient servant,

DAVID REYNOLDS.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, July 31. 1847.
Hon. Win. L. Marcy, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. :

SIR — Several communications have been received by his Excellency,
the Governor of Indiana, in reference to the acceptance of additional
companies from this State for the army operating against Mexico, the
contents of which communications I am directed to lay before you and
respectfully solicit a reply at your earliest convenience.

1. Captain Philip P. Barbour of New Harmony, in this State, wishes
to raise a company of infantry and thinks he can do it in a short time
and desires to know if the services of the same would be acceptable.

216

2. The Cass County Volunteers of the First Regiment of Indiana
Volunteers, who have lately returned from the service in Mexico, and are
a fine company, desire to fill up their ranks and return to the service.
They are very solicitous to go and desire to know if the department will
receive them.

3. Lieutenant Henry R. Seall of Monroe County, in this State, who
fought bravely in Major Gorman's rifle battalion on the mountain at
Buena Vista, wishes to know whether a mounted rifle company, or one
on foot (to be raised under his auspices) will be accepted and attached
to the Fourth Regiment lately raised in this State.

4. Mr. F. P. Bradley wishes to raise a company of dragoons in Da-
viess County, in this State, to serve during the war, and desires to know
if said company would be accepted. If so, through what medium would
they be furnished with the means of reaching the seat of war, and (fur
nishing their own horses) what would be the pay of the various officers
and of the privates and the compensation for the horses.

5. Mr. Allen Wilson of Putnam County asks whether a light horse
company will be received and mustered into the service for a term of one
year from the 20th of September next.

I have the honor to be, with high respect,

Your obedient servant,

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General of Indiana.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, August 11, 1847.

General David Reynolds, Adjutant-General State of Indiana, Indianapolis :
SIR — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 31st ultimo, stating the desire of a number of persons to raise volun
teer companies for the war with Mexico and requesting an early answer
to their application. In reply I have to state that the exigencies of the
war are not deemed to require, at present, the additional force offered
from your State, nor, under present circumstances, can the department,
with propriety, encourage those gentlemen to organize companies with a
view to entering the military service as it cannot be foreseen with any
certainty when they would be received.

WILLIAM L. MARCY,

Secretary of War.

COLONEL LANE AUTHORIZED TO EAISE
ANOTHER REGIMENT.

WAR DEPARTMENT, August 26, 1847.

SIR — I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communica
tion addressed to James H. Lane of Indiana and to request the co-opera
tion of your Excellency in raising and organizing the regiment of volun
teers therein authorized in conformity to the enclosed regulations.

Your Excellency is also requested to designate some convenient point

217

on the Ohio as the place of rendezvous for the several companies, and to
cause to be appointed, in accordance with the laws of your State, such
of the officers of the regiment as may not be already in commission.
I have the honor to be very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

J. Y. MASON,
Acting Secretary of War.
His Excellency, James Whitcoinb, Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis, Ind.

(Copy.)

WAR DEPARTMENT, August 26, 1847.

SIR — The Honorable Amos Lane has submitted to this department
your application for permission to raise a regiment of volunteers to be
composed principally of officers and men of the Indiana regiments who
have recently served in Mexico.

As the volunteers here proposed by you are considered preferable to
new recruits, the President has directed that they may be received into
service. You will therefore consider yourself authorized to raise for the
war a regiment of volunteer infantry, to be formed wholly or principally
from the officers and men of your State who have been in service in Mex
ico. The Governor of Indiana will be requested to aid in raising the regi
ment in accordance with the regulations herewith, and to designate some
convenient point on the Ohio as the place of rendezvous for the several
companies, to which officers of the proper staff departments will be imme
diately ordered with funds to defray the necessary expenses which may
be incurred in conformity to law.

You are desired to be as prompt as possible in preparing the regiment
for service.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

(Signed) JOHN Y. MASON,

Acting Secretary of War.
Colonel James H. Lane, Lawrenceburg. Indiana.

LIEUTENANT AMBKOSE A. BUKNSIDE.*

BrookviUe American, August 28, 1847.

The numerous friends of this young gentleman will be gratified to
learn that he has received the appointment of second lieutenant in Com
pany G, Second Regiment Artillery. Lieutenant Burnside is from Liberty,
in Union County, and graduated a short time since at West Point. He is
now ordered to report himself at once to the commanding officer of his
regiment in the field and proceed at once to join his company. So he
will soon have an opportunity of showing his pluck. We have not the

*Colonel First Rhode Island, May, 1861; Brigadier-General Volunteers, August, 1861; Ma
jor-General Volunteers, March, 1862; Commander Burnside's Expedition, January, 1862;
Commander Army of Potomac, November, 1862; Commander Department of Ohio, March,
1863; received thanks of Congress, January, 1864; resigned April, 1865; Governor of Rhode
Island, April, 1866; United States Senator, January, 1875; died at Bristol. R. I., September
13, 1881.

218

pleasure of the Lieutenant's acquaintance. We have seen him, however.
He is a fine-looking fellow, and sufficiently black for any emergency. We
mistake his character if he does not make a brave, skilful and efficient
officer. -

We wish him all success and hope we may live to see the day when
from a lieutenant he shall receive a general's commission. — Wayne County
Record.

THIRD INDIANA FILLED THE GAP.

Madison Courier, August 28, 1847.

The report of Colonel Lane, published in last week's paper, estab
lishes the fact that the Third Indiana was the first to rush in when the
Kentuckians and Illinoisians were retreating before the enemy and stop
the advancing column and save them from annihilation, yet neither Tay
lor nor any other officer from the States has had the magnanimity to give
them due credit for their conduct on that field.

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE
STATE OF INDIANA.

Whereas, A communication from the Acting Secretary of War, dated
on the 27th day of the present month, has this day been received, enclos
ing a copy of a letter of the same date, from the War Department to
Colonel James II. Lane of Lawrenceburg, authorizing him to raise for
the war a regiment of volunteer infantry, to be formed wholly or princi
pally from the officers and men of this State who have been in service in
Mexico ; and,

Whereas, The undersigned is by said communication requested to co
operate in raising and organizing the said regiment in conformity with
certain regulations therein enclosed, and which are embraced in the sub
joined general order, and to cause to be appointed in accordance with the
laws of the State such of the officers of the regiment as may not be al
ready in commission.

Now, therefore, I, James Whitcomb, Governor of the State of Indi
ana, in behalf of our common country, do hereby invite the patriotic offi
cers and men above indicated, and such other citizens as may be found
necessary to complete their numbers to proceed forthwith and organize
themselves into volunteer companies with all possible despatch to serve
during the war, unless sooner discharged, and to report the fact of such,
their organization, with the least practicable delay to the Adjutant-Gen
eral of the State at this place. And in conformity with the request of the
Acting Secretary of War, that a place of rendezvous be appointed on the
Ohio River for the several companies as fast as they shall be organized,
a suitable and convenient place will be designated in ample time for that
purpose.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the

219

seal of the State to be affixed. Done at Indianapolis the 31st day of
August, A. D. 1847, the thirty-second year of the State, and of the Inde
pendence of the United States the seventy-second.

By the Governor. JAMES WHITCOMB.

(S. S.)
JOHN H. THOMPSON, Secretary of State.

HEAUQUABTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, August 31, 1847.
General Order No. 14.

Authority having been given by the War Department to Colonel James
H. Lane to raise the regiment of volunteers mentioned in the proclamation
of the Governor of this date, and the co-operation of the Governor in the
premises having been requested by the Acting Secretary of War, and after
full consultation had with Colonel Lane for the purpose of better carrying
out the views and requirements of the Department in relation to the
matter, the following regulations are hereby made known for the informa
tion and government of such as may desire to become volunteers in the
said regiment, which will obviate the necessity of correspondence upon
the points therein embraced.

I. As the company only have the right, under the laws of the State,
to elect their captain as well as other commissioned officers, no person
need to wait for a more special authority to raise a company. Should
any one raise a company in the hope of being its future commandant, his
success will probably be considered by them as sufficient evidence of his
standing and fitness for the station. Still, the question must be left to
the choice of the company.

II. Each company will consist of 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 sec
ond lieutenant, 1 additional second lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2
musicians and 80 privates — total, 94.

III. The regiment will consist of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1
major, 1 adjutant (who will be a lieutenant in one of the companies, but
not in addition), 1 sergeant-major, 1 quartermaster-sergeant, 2 principal
musicians and 10 companies.

IV. The Secretary of War writes : "As all the field and company
officers with volunteers taken into the service of the United States, under
the act of 13th May, 1846, must be appointed and commissioned in ac
cordance with the laws of the States from whence they are taken, I beg
to suggest the extreme importance to the public service that the officers
for the additional force here requested be judiciously selected."

Enjoining, therefore, the necessary circumspection of all who are vested
with the appointing power by the laws of the State, it will be borne in
mind that in accordance with those laws, the officers above enumerated
are to be appointed and commissioned as follows :

The commissioned officers of each company are to be selected after the
company is full, by a majority of the members present, at the time and

220

place agreed upon by a majority of the company; the result of the elec
tions to be certified by three judges of the election and attested by the
clerk thereof, who are all to be elected by a majority of the members
present for that purpose, and the judges are to sworn by the clerk, Or in
his absence by one of their own number, before going into the election of
the military officers. The certificate is to be forwarded to the Adjutant-
general of the State in order that the Governor may issue the commis
sions without delay.

Non-commissioned officers of the company are to be nominated by the
members and appointed by the captain thereof.

V. The commissioned officers of the regiment will be elected after the
same is full by the officers and men thereof, in conformity with the laws
of the State, the requirements of which and all other necessary particu
lars will in due time be communicated through the medium now adopted.

VI. The regimental staff above named will be appointed by the colo
nel. Principal and nssistant surgeons, quartermasters, commissaries and
paymasters are appointed when needed only by the President.

VII. The different companies as they reach the place of rendezvous
will then be inspected and mustered into service by one or more officers
of the United States Army, "who (in the language of the Secretary of
War) will in every case be instructed to receive no man who is in years
apparently over forty-live or under eighteen, or who is not of physical
strength and vigor. To this end the inspector will be accompanied by a
medical officer of the army, and the volunteers will be submitted to his
examination."

VIII. Volunteers will furnish their own clothing, for which purpose
the law allows to each non-commissioned officer, musician and private
three dollars and fifty cents per month during the time he is in the serv
ice of the United States. To enable the volunteers to provide themselves
with good and sufficient clothing the clothing pay for six months (twenty-
one dollars) will be advanced to each non-commissioned officer, musician
and private after being mustered into service, "but only with the express
condition," as communicated by the Secretary, "that the volunteer has
already furnished himself with six months' clothing, the fact to be certi
fied to the paymaster by the captain of the company; or that the amount
thus advanced shall be applied under the supervision of his captain to the
object contemplated by law. In this latter case the advanced commuta
tion for clothing will be paid on the captain's certificate that he is satis
fied that it will be so applied."

IX. The volunteers on their arrival at the place of rendezvous and
thenceforward will be furnished with quarters, camp equipage, fuel, cook
ing utensils and subsistence by the United States.

The less baggage of any kind (except suitable clothing) that can be
taken from home to the pla'ce of rendezvous the better for the soldier, as
the United States will furnish all necessary articles of the kind at that
point, and those taken (at least if not of the proper description) will not

221

be p"aid for by the United States. As in that case they will be cast aside,
they will be a useless expense.

X. Arms, accoutrements and ammunition will also be furnished to
the several companies by the United States.

XI. Besides the monthly pay in cash each non-commissioned officer,
musician and private who may serve during the present war, or who shall
have been discharged before the expiration of his time of service, in con
sequence of wounds received or sickness incurred in the cause of such
service, will be entitled to a bounty of 160 acres of land, to be located by
the volunteer or by his heirs, at any land office of the United States he
or they may choose, or instead of the land he may, if he desires it, re
ceive a treasury scrip for one hundred dollars, bearing an interest of six
per cent, per annum, payable half yearly.

XII. In respect to subsistence before arriving at the place of ren
dezvous and for traveling home from the place of discharge the allow
ance is fifty cents for every twenty miles distance, to be paid by the
United States, but not until after the volunteer is received into the service.

XIII. The proper officers of the Staff Department of the United
States will be immediately sent to the place of rendezvous with funds to
defray the necessary expenses which may be incurred, agreeably to law.

XIV. Each volunteer, except commissioned officers, will receive from
the United States, besides his clothing pay, an allowance for traveling
from his home to that place. As this is 50 cents for every twenty miles,
it will be more than sufficient to defray the expenses in traveling there.

If the officers of a company, or any citizens, could advance the sum
necessary to get the men to the place of rendezvous it might be done
without the slightest risk or loss by the men signing an order to the pay
master to retain from their pay the amount advanced, and pay the same
over to tliope who had advanced it. This course was pursued last year
by many of the companies without the slightest loss or difficulty, and
thereby much delay was avoided.

XV. In relation to clothing: a dress or parade uniform is never re
quired in actual service, and doubtless would not be used by either officer
or private of the present regiment during their term, even if procured.
To purchase such would therefore be a useless expense. A service uni
form only is necessary. It is recommended that for neatness and com
fort it consist as in regular service, of a blue cloth roundabout and panta
loons without stripes or straps, the roundabout to be double-breasted, with
a double row of white metal buttons, eagle stamped, and made to button
close around the throat. The commissioned officers are to wear blue cloth
frock coats, with a single row of buttons, and pantaloons with white
worsted stripes I1/-; inches wide down the sides. The sergeants and cor
porals are to be dressed as privates, except that sergeants will wear white
worsted epaulets on each shoulder, and white worsted stripes down the
sides of their pants ; and corporals will wear white worsted epaulets
without the stripes. The orderly sergeant will be distinguished by a red
worsted sash on duty.

XVI. No more will be needed for each man than one uniform suit,
two pairs of stout shoes with broad and thick soles, a forage cap, two

222

cotton shirts, two flannel shirts, two pairs of drawers, four pairs of stock
ings and one good blanket. All these articles can doubtless be procured in
any desirable quantity, and made to order on reasonable terms, at or near
the place of rendezvous, where, as has already been remarked, the funds
will be furnished by the United States to enable the volunteers to procure
them.

XVII. As the authority to raise the regiment is by the Department
given to Colonel Lane, no company will regard itself as accepted until a
written communication from him to that effect is received by a member
of the company. All applications on the subject should be addressed to
Colonel James H. Lane at Indianapolis. And as it is required by the War
Department that the regiment shall be "formed wholly or principally from
the officers and men who have been in service in Mexico," the following
rules become necessary for carrying out that object:

1. The invitation is extended to all of the requisite age and vigor,
whether they have been in service or not, for the purpose of filling up de
ficient numbers if necessary. But,

2. Should any who have been in service from this State in Mexico
apply to be received into any company after it is full, without regard to
where their residence may have been in the State, they will have the
preference, and for that purpose an equal number of fresh recruits who
have not been in service and who were last received on the company's
list, will give place to them. New recruits will not be disturbed unless
applications on the part of volunteers who have been in service are made,
and then only to the extent of such applications.

3. After the companies are reported to Colonel Lane he will still
give the preference by accepting in order such companies as have the
largest number of volunteers who have already seen service in Mexico
until the ten companies composing the regiment are completed.

4. As there are thirty companies of returned volunteers in the State,
and it is not probable that any one of those companies will or can be
collected and offered entire and complete, and as but ten companies are
now wanted, the propriety is suggested of different fractions of returned
companies joining together under the present requisition for the purpose
of making whole companies.

XVIII. To avoid all error or mistake the offer of a company to Colo
nel Lane for acceptance must be accompanied with a complete list or ros
ter of the names of all the members of the company, stating against each
name whether the member is a new recruit or a returned volunteer.

XIX. The commissions will be issued after the company to which
they belong is accepted, and of course not until Colonel Lane reports it
to the undersigned as by him accepted.

XX. . No company, therefore, will march to the place of rendezvous
until directed by Colonel Lane, which will be done in all cases by letter.

XXI. The Commander in Chief will repair to the place of rendezvous
when the regiment is concentrated there to aid in the final organization
and generally of consulting the comfort and welfare of the troops.

XXII. When it is considered that at this late season of the year
there is much less demand for employment here and a far greater security

223

for health and comfort in a southern climate, and that the inducements
by reason of land bounty, etc., are far greater for volunteers now than
when they were called upon last year, the hope is confidently indulged
that the regiment will soon be seen on its way to the seat of war, there
to nobly distinguish itself in vindicating the rights and -in sustaining the
honor of the country.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

D. REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

To the Returned Volunteers and Citizens of Indiana :

It will be seen by the proclamation of his Excellency. Governor Whit-
comb, that I am authorized to raise a regiment of volunteer infantry, in
which the Governor will co-operate.

In the organization my object will be to carry out to the letter the
wishes and instructions of the Secretary of War and the Governor. Every
effort will be used to form a corps that will be creditable to the State and
service. To this end it is deemed advisable to secure as many of the re
turned volunteers as possible, and I fondly hope that the officers and men
of the old brigade will at once be found rallying to the standard of their
country, with the expectation that one more campaign in Mexico will se
cure an honorable peace, and place Indiana where she deserves to stand,
the first among the first.

J. H. LANE,

Indianapolis, August 31. 1847.

P. S. — For the present all correspondents will please address me at
this place. J. H. L.

NEW CALL FOR TROOPS.

Indiana Sentinel, September .'(, IS.'/J.

With reference to the new call for troops the Union of the 28th has
the following :

"The five regiments now called for are to be drawn from the follow
ing States : Two regiments from Kentucky, two from Tennessee, one from
Indiana. The Indiana regiment is to rendezvous at such convenient point
on the river as the Governor of the State may designate."

THE HAGBBSTOWN BOYS IX MEXICO.

Indiana Sentinel, September 4, 1847.

We have been favored with the perusal of a letter from Mr. John
McCoy, formerly of Funkstown. dated Brazos Island, July 18, from which
we make the following extract concerning one of our Hagerstown boys :

"Mr. Isaiah Aniba is in the same company with myself. A few days
since, while standing as guard at an outpost about 200 yards from the
guardhouse, he was attacked by four Mexicans, armed with swords and

224

pistols. One of them no shot, one he dispatched with his bayonet, another
he took prisoner and the fourth took to his heels. In the melee he re
ceived a pistol ball in his right leg, the ball lodging against the bone. The
ball has been extracted and he is now well and doing duty. For this gal
lant act of bravery he has been very justly promoted from the ranks to a
second sergeant."

HO FOR MEXICO.

Madison Courier, September 4, 1847.

The martial fever is again stirred in our city. Captain Ford, Lieuten
ants Hull, Cowden and Lord, all of the Third Regiment, are all anxious
to enter the service again. Lieutenant Hull has already issued a call for
a company. Now is the time for the enterprising young man to enter on
a glorious and exciting career, a career of some peril, it is true, and some
hardship and poor pay so far as the military service is concerned, but also
of bold adventure, grand and thrilling incidents and promising a golden
reward in the future.

MOEE TROOPS CALLED FOR.

Indiana Journal, September 7, 1847.

We understand that Governor Whitcomb received by yesterday's mail
a requisition for another regiment of volunteers from this State. It would
appear from this that the President has not much hopes of either pur
chasing or conquering a peace very soon. The end is not yet.

DESTINATION OF INDIANA TROOPS.

Indiana Journal, September 7, 1847.

We are informed that Major A. F. Morrison has received orders to do
duty as commissary with the new regiment (the Fifth) now organizing
for Mexico under Colonel Lane and to accompany them to Vera Cruz.
These orders to Major Morrison settled the guess as to the destination of
this regiment and rendered it certain that it will join General Scott in
stead of being quartered in garrison on the Rio Grande.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, September 8, 1847.
General Orders No. 15.

I. To remove all doubt and uncertainty as to the ultimate acceptance
of any company which shall have been reported to Colonel Lane for service
in the Fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers under the authority of the
War Department of the 26th ultimo, and to stimulate and encourage the
raising of companies with all practicable despatch, the following explana-

225

tion or modification of Article XVII in the last General Order is. on con
sultation with Colonel Lane, hereby promulgated, viz. :

II. Any company reported to Colonel Lane as full and accompanied
by a roster or a list of the names of the members, showing that a bare
majority of them have been in service in Mexico from Indiana will be
at once accepted into the said regiment without any fear of being after
wards excluded on account of any other company.

III. Should it happen that ten companies, each containing a majority
of returned volunteers, are not reported in time, the deficiency will be sup
plied by accepting the requisite number of such full companies which
shall have been reported as may not have a majority of returned volun
teers, and these last, in such contingency, will be accepted in the order
of time in which they were reported.

IV. Any returned volunteer of the State, without regard to his resi
dence therein, will have the preference to be received into any company,
and if he applies for that purpose after the company is full the last re
cruit on the company's list who has not been in service in Mexico will
give place to him. The same rule will be observed if any large number
of returned volunteers apply for admission into a company, but no fresh
recruit will be required to leave the company after it commences its march
for the place of rendezvous.

V. After a company has been reported as not having a majority of
returned volunteers it will still be allowable, if afterwards enabled to do
so, to forward a subsequent report that a majority of returned volun
teers has been secured in the company, in which case it will receive a
prompt and unalterable acceptance into the regiment, provided ten com
panies, each having a majority of returned volunteers, shall not already
have been accepted.

The importance, therefore, of reporting companies at the earliest
practicable period in all cases is manifest. By these regulations it is be
lieved that the best mode is adopted of carrying out the intentions of the
War Department that the Fifth Regiment be formed "wholly or princi
pally" of returned volunteers, and at the same time that the regiment be
raised with all practicable despatch. It will also give an opportunity to
those invited in every part of the State to rally to the standard of their
country.

VI. In conformity with the request of the War Department that a
place of rendezvous be appointed on the Ohio River for the several com
panies as fast as they shall be accepted, Madison is hereby designated for
that purpose.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

D. REYNOLDS.
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

Ifaflison Courier, September 11, 1847.

We are informed that the Governor has directed the new Indiana
regiment to rendezvous at this place.

15-18750

226
A LETTEE FROM THE ARMY.

New Albany Democrat, September 23, 1847.

UPPER Rio GRANDE, CAMP NEAR MEIR, MEXICO,

August 22, 1847.

To the Editor of the New Albany Democrat — The movements of the
four Indiana regiments, together with the operations of the forces now
under command of Generals Taylor and Scott in forcing the Mexican Gov
ernment to treat on fair terms, or in compelling Santa Anna to retreat on
any terms, must now, as the elections are over, become the absorbing sub
jects of interest with the sovereign press and no less the sovereign people.

Brigadier-General Lane, familiary known in camp as "Rough and
Ready No. 2," has this morning returned from General Taylor's head
quarters and brings orders for the following regiments to proceed in the
order here stated, and with the least possible delay, to Vera Cruz. In
pursuance of this order tomorrow morning we "pull up stakes" or, in mili
tary parlance, strike tents, retrace our steps to the Rio Grande, and pro
ceed at once by sea to Vera Cruz to swell the ranks of General Scott. The
brigade of General Lane, will consist of the Fourth Indiana, Colonel W. A.
Corwin ; one Ohio regiment, Colonel Brough ; one regiment Illinois Volun
teers en route now to Vera Cruz, with the Texas Rangers, under the cele
brated Jack Hays. The other division for Vera Cruz will be under the
order of Brigadier-General dishing and will consist of the Thirteenth
Alabama, one regiment of Massachusetts Infantry and Brise's Battery, to
gether with a smart sprinkling of "Grape and Canister."

There will then remain to protect the government stores on the Rio
Grande line of operations, as well as to occupy the different posts on that
line, the Sixteenth Infantry under Colonel Tibbats, and the Tenth under
Colonel Temple, and the force at Monterey now under the immediate orders
of General Taylor. This renaming force is deemed sufficient for the Rio
Grande district, as no hostile movement is expected, or can indeed be made
by the Mexicans in this quarter.— Reporter.

Madison Courier, September 25, J.sV/7.

Jefferson and Jennings counties have united in forming a company for
the Fifth Regiment to be designated by the name of "Indiana Guards."
The election for officers resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen :
Horace Hull of Madison, Captain ; D. C. Rich of Vernou, First Lieutenant ;
John M. Lord of Madison, Second Lieutenant, and John M. Lattirnore of
Vernon (additional), Second Lieutenant.

Madison Courier, September 25,

Mr. Nickolas Scliram, a German who served honorably in Captain Sul
livan's company of volunteers through last year's campaign, died in this
city on Tuesday last and was buried with military honors by his late com
rades in arms who live here. He came home from New Orleans a few
days prior to hjs death, and contracted the disease of which he died on the
voyage up ; some supposed it yellow fever.

227
FIFTH REGIMENT, INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel, September 25, 1847.

At G:l«3 a. in. September 23d, the tenth and last company of the above-
named regiment was reported and accepted. The following are the com
panies, commandants, and places where organized :

1. Wayne Guards — Captain D. W. Lewis, Fort Wayne.

2. Indiana Guards — Captain H. Hull. Madison.

3. Rough and Ready Guards — Captain George Green, Jeffersonville.

4. Covington Guards — Captain R. M. Evans, Covington.

5. Montgomery Boys — Captain Allen May, Crawfordsville.

6. Shelbyville Hards— Captain S. McKinzey, Shelbyville.

7. Hancock B'hoys — Captain James R. Bracken, Greenfield.

8. Center Guards — Captain John McDougall. Indianapolis.

9. Grabbers No. 2 — Captain A. C. Gibbs, Lawrenceburg.
10. Washington Guards— Captain K. G. Carey, Marion.

This regiment has been raised, reported and accepted in about nine
teen days, less than three weeks from the issue of the Governor's procla
mation and the first general order of the Adjutant-General. Two more
companies, it is expected, will be added to the regiment by permission,
which has been asked by Colonel Lane.

Indiana Sentinel, September 25, 1847.

Mr. J. T. Bosworth, late of this office and now one of the proprietors
of the New Albany Democrat, has enlisted for the war and been chosen
orderly sergeant of the corps to which he was attached. We vouch for
him in every respect.

THE NEW REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat, September 30, 1847.

The headquarters of the Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers is now
established at Madison. Colonel Lane and Adjutant-General Reynolds are
now at that city making preparations for receiving the companies as they
may arrive. From the known energy and business qualifications of these
gentlemen, and also of Major Morrison, who has received orders to sub
sist the regiment, we cannot doubt that everything will be satisfactorily ar
ranged. As soon as the companies all arrive at the rendezvous they will
be mustered into service by Colonel Churchill, whose headquarters are at
Louisville.

Colonel Lane has asked permission from the War Department to ac
cept the services of two extra companies to act as "flanking companies" to
the regiment. It is probable that he will receive this permission, and in
that event, the Sanderson Guards of this city, which was the eleventh com
pany reported, will be accepted. The twelfth company is from Warrick
County, Captain Frisbie. Fourteen companies had been reported at In
dianapolis on Saturday last and several others were reported as in progress
of formation.

228

Indiana Sentinel, October 2. 1847.

The Center Guards, under Captain McDougall, left this city on the
cars for Madison, the place of rendezvous for the Fifth Regiment, Tues
day morning last. This is a fine company of brave young men and we are
proud to say that this is the third company raised in Indianapolis during
the war with Mexico.

On Wednesday afternoon the Hancock B'hoys, commanded by Captain
Bracken, passed through this city on their way to the railroad to join their
regiment. This company is composed of the real bone and sinew of the
country, and look as if they would do good service should opportunity
offer. They made a handsome appearance as the grand cavalcade of
wagons passed through our streets. The good people of Hancock have dis
played the right spirit in giving transportation to the B'hoys to the depot.
Our best wishes go with each of these companies.

A "GOOD'7 APPOINTMENT.

New Albany Democrat, October 2, 1847.

Our old friend John H. Young has been appointed quartermaster, with
the rank of captain, in the new regiment, the Fifth Indiaila Volunteers.
John was a good fellow in his and our schoolboy days. He was a good
soldier and no doubt will make a good officer.

THE FOURTH INDIANA EEGIMENT.

Madison Courier, October 2, 1847.

The following appears in the Louisville Courier of the 28th ult. :
"We have been kindly favored by a friend, by a sight of a letter from an
officer in this regiment."

AT MOUTH OF Rio GRANDE, September 3, 1847.

(The whole regiment at that time had arrived there on their way to
Vera Cruz, and the following extract shows that an unpleasant difficulty
exists in the regiment.)

"There is at present considerable excitement in camp concerning the
muster roll. It is required that when a soldier receives his pay he af
fixes his name to a muster roll which declares that he volunteered for
'during the war,' without reference to one, five or any other number of
years. This regiment declares and swears that it entered the service under
no such conditions and therefore will not subscribe to it. On the other
hand the Fay Department declares that unless they do subscribe their
names to such a muster roll they shall draw no pay. The answer of the
volunteers is 'Go to hell with your pay.' * * *

"There are about one hundred and fifty of this regiment unfit for
duty."

We have seen the account of the debarkation of the troops from the
mouth of the Brazos which makes no mention of any such difficulty as that
mentioned above. We think it very probable however that a good many
soldiers volunteered under the impression that it was for one year only.

A SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST"

ANDREW J. WELLS

BORN JANUARY 7, 1830, CLARK COUNTY, INDIANA
PRIVATE Co. B, FIFTH INDIANA, 1847
ADJUTANT TWENTY-SIXTH KENTUCKY, OCTOBER, 1861
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS, SEPTEMBER, 1864
MUSTERED OUT JUNE 30, 1866

APPOINTED MAIL CARRIER IN INDIANAPOLIS JULY 1, 1869
(STILL ON DUTY SEPTEMBER, 19081

229
INDIANA OFFICERS WOUNDED.

Albany Democrat, November 4, 1847.
We learn from the Washington Union that none of the officers of the
rifle corps was killed in the battles of Contreas, Cherubusco, Chapultepec
and at the taking of the City of Mexico, but that Major Loring had his
left arm amputated. Captain Tucker was wounded in the right arm and
thigh, and Lieutenant Van Buren in the knee. Captain Tucker and Lieu-
. tenant Van Buren were officers of a company raised at Indianapolis and
Lafayette, in this State.

New Albany Democrat, October 5, 1841.

The monument to the Spencer Grays killed at Buena Vista is com
pleted. It is a beautiful piece of work and does credit to our citizens and
those who have been active in forwarding it. We shall, in a few days,
give a more detailed description of the monument.

DRAWING ON INDIANA FOR RECRUITS.

New Albany Democrat, October 5, 1841.

Captain Robinson's Company of Volunteers from Fayette County, Ken
tucky, paraded our streets yesterday drumming up recruits to fill the com
pany.

Indiana Sentinel, October 6, 1841.

MADISON, October 1, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — This is the first day on which the companies com
prising the Fifth Regiment were advised that they could be accommo
dated with subsistence and quarters, and of five of them already here
one, the Shelbyville Hards, Captain McKinzey, has been mustered into
the service of the United States.

The regiment encamped below the city on what is considered very
beautiful ground north of the railroad and fronting and in full view of
the Ohio River, with a good parade ground in front of the tents, which
are rapidly being pitched.

Every officer is busily engaged in the duties of his department. Colo
nel Lane is here in full flow of spirits and made a most happy and pa
triotic speech last evening to a crowded audience in the court house and
was frequently and loudly cheered, which is evidence of the good recep
tion of his speech.

Major Morrison has completed arrangements for subsistence and is
now issuing rations to the five companies in rendezvous. Dr. J. S. Athon,
the accomplished surgeon of the late Third Indiana, appointed to the
same office in the Fifth, is now here on duty to the great gratification of
every returned volunteer, as well as all others who know him.

Captain J. H. Young, quartermaster, had procured quarters in build
ings for the companies lest they should arrive before the tents, but happily
the tents, cooking utensils, etc., arrived last evening and the captain is

230

busily engaged issuing them. Lieutenant Rodman, a gentlemanly and
accomplished young officer of the regular army, has been designated as
mustering officer and is now here on duty. Thus, you see, the organiza
tion of the Fifth Regiment is going rapidly and pleasantly forward.

Your obedient servant,

DAVID REYNOLDS.

Madison Courier, October 9, 1847.

Nearly all of the companies of the Fifth Regiment have arrived and
are in camp at the lower end of the city. * * *

Dr. J. S. Athon. surgeon of the late Third Regiment, has been as
signed to the same office in the Fifth Regiment and is now here on duty.

Madison Courier, October 9, 1847.

Lieutenant Rodman, a young officer of the Regular Army, has been
designated as the mustering officer and is now here.

COLONEL LANE PRESENTED WITH CANE.

Madison Courier, October 9, 1847.

We are told that at the conclusion of Colonel Lane's speech to the
volunteers at the court house in this city last week he was presented with
a fine polished cane by Major William Hoyt Dupont.

COLONEL JAMES H. LANE.

Greenfield Investigator, October 11, 1847.

Last Saturday, by special request, Colonel James H. Lane addressed
the citizens of this place and vicinity on the subject of the Mexican War.
He delivered himself in a manner highly creditable to his reputation. He
advocated the justice of the war and urged with force its prosecution and
speedy and successful completion. He believed there were many men in
the United States enjoying the blessings of liberty who were Mexicans at
heart, who would be willing to see their country's flag disgraced if they
could but disgrace the administration. Party is their watchword and for
the success of that they would sacrifice the loftiest aspirations of the
soul, the love of country and every principle of honor.

Colonel Lane spoke for the space of an hour with effect and to the
purpose. He pictured the hardships of a soldier's life, but gave it as his
opinion that one year of camp life was worth five of inactive civil life.
He set forth more inducements independent of the promptings of patriot
ism why men should volunteer in the present war and counteracted lucidly
the unfounded statement that the climate. of Mexico was prejudicial to
health. He said -he believed it was the most pleasant and congenial cli
mate in the world and that all reports to the contrary were and are
made and circulated by persons opposed to the war and its prosecution,

COL. WILLIS A. GORMAN

FOURTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS

231

men destitute of all of those noble feelings which vibrate upon patriotic
heartstrings. He condemned in the strongest terms the action of such
men ; he knew not or cared not what their motives were, he believed they
were enemies- of their country and should on all such occasions, times and
places look upon them as such.

To be brief, we never listened to a speech of greater interest. It was
an honor to the speaker's head and heart and told that he was earnest in
his purpose, that he was a patriot in name, feeling, principle and every
thing. He spoke and conviction siezed upon his hearers; no bombastic
words, no far-fetched illustrations marked his speech, but plainness and
truth, and the consequence was the people believed him.

We are glad to have such men as Colonel Lane living in our State ;
he is an honor to it. On the bloody field at Buena Vista he proved him
self competent in the fullest extent of the term to command a regiment of
freemen, men who were willing to leave their homes and all that binds
their souls to earth for the tented field to revenge the wrong, assert the
right and maintain the honor of their country, and should the service of
the new regiment be called into action with Colonel James H. Lane at
the head we have no fear but that the honor and fair fame of the State
will be nobly vindicated.

New Albany Democrat, October 12, 1847.

We learn from an officer of the Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers
that Major-General Butler has authorized the reception of companies of
sixty-four men and that a regiment will be mustered into service and the
field officers appointed during the present week.

Indiana Journal, October 14, 1847.

A company of volunteers from Montgomery County, Captain May,
reached this city last Tuesday morning and took the cars for Madison the
following morning.

LETTER FROM THE FOURTH REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat, October Ut, 1847.

VERA CRUZ, MEXICO, September 16, 1847.

Here we are. after three days' delightful travel from Brazos Island.
We were agreeably surprised. We expected storms and squalls at this
season of the year, so frequent and so fatal the season for equinoctial
storms, but so calm it was we realized the maxim of "Old Rough and
Ready No. 2" (Joe Lane) that "Fortune favors the brave." The Fourth
Ohio and Fourth Indiana left simultaneously, all in good spirits and all
pleased with the trip.

The entrance from the sea into the city and the fairness of it from
the deck of our boat when within ten miles of it, was peculiarly grand
and imposing. For the last three months our eyes had been pained by the
monotony of low sand beaches, wild and arid prairies, or rich, flat alluvial

232

bottoms. Imagine, then, our pleasure and surprise to have presented right
in our front, mountain upon mountain piled, rising in abrupt grandeur,
and extending as far as the eye can reach in every variety of shape and
form ; the rugged sides of the Sierra Madre and the high and awful
peaks of the mighty Orizaba, "in gloomy grandeur proudly imminent,"
fixed our sole attention. This remarkable mountain affords in itself every
variety of climate. Its top is the resting place of eternal snow while the
temperate and torrid zones may each be found at its center and base.
Here we find the purest water, so much needed by the weary, fainting and
thirsty soldiers.

We leave here in two days for the City of Mexico, a long and dan
gerous march of 270 miles, every part of the way to be contended for. It
will be a running, or rather walking, fight the whole distance. This march
promises to be rich in incident and adventure, of which you will be duly
advised. Many who join in the outset of our march will never see the
end of our journey. Your friend,

REPORTER IN MEXICO.

FIFTH INDIANA IN CAMP AT MADISON.

New Albany Democrat, October 19, 1847.

All the companies are now in camp and comprise in all something like
seven hundred men and the recruiting for the various regiments is going
on rapidly. Every one in and about camp is in high spirits. Every volun
teer is elated with the hope of soon leaving, that they may aid their fel
low soldiers in subduing our treacherous and obstinate foe, and to share hi
the revels of the halls of the Montezumas, that all-absorbing desire of the
volunteers, that is now being realized in the City of Mexico.

The clothing of the different companies is going on rapidly and it is
thought will be completed by the last of next week at farthest. The regi
ment will immediately make preparations to start. 'They are to rendez
vous in Natchez and there remain a few days to complete every arrange
ment for their progress toward Mexico. Colonel Lane has been ordered
to appoint three lieutenants, with three assistants from the ranks, and
three different recruiting stations in the State in order to keep the regi
ment full for the time they remain in Mexico. This is a very wise pro
ceeding, for experience has taught that the regiments soon dwindle down
to comparatively few effective men. The Second Indiana Regiment, for
instance, had less than 500 men on the morning of the battle of Buena
Vista.

DEATH OF BAILEY COOPER.

Madison Banner, October 20, 1847.

Mr. Bailey Cooper, a volunteer of Captain Greene's company, died in
this city on Saturday evening last. In the afternoon of the following day,
after the delivery of a very impressive funeral discourse by the Rev. Mr.
Bayless at the encampment, in the presence of the whole regiment and a

233

large number of citizens, his remains were interred in the city burial
ground with military honors. The deceased was from Bartholomew Coun
ty, about 20 or 21 years of age. He was not in good health when he first
came to the city about two weeks ago and notwithstanding the best medical
treatment and the assiduous attention of his comrades, gradually declined
until his final dissolution. The religious services and ceremonies on Sab
bath afternoon, during which the briny tears trickled down many a rough
cheek, were solemn and impressive in the highest degree.

RELIGIOUS NOTICE.

Madison Banner, October 20, 1847.

The Rev. Mr. Dailey will preach a farewell sermon to the Fifth Regi
ment of Indiana Volunteers at Camp Reynolds on Sabbath next at 3
o'clock p. in. The ladies and gentlemen of Madison and vicinity are espe
cially invited to be present.

HEADQUARTERS INDIANA MILITIA,

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA,

MADISON, October 21, 1847.
General Orders No. 16.

I. The captains of the Fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers now
camped near this place will forthwith give full notice to the members of
their respective companies that an election will be held at the said en
campment on Friday, the twenty-second of October, 1847, for the purpose
of electing one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel and one major of the said
regiment, in accordance with the following regulations:

II. The members of each company will first elect, by a majority of
their number, three judges and one clerk of election ; one of said judges
to administer an oath or affirmation to the other judges and to the clerk,
and himself to be afterward sworn or affirmed by one of the latter judges
faithfully and impartially to discharge their respective duties as such.

III. Said judges will then open a poll or precinct for their company
at its present location at said encampment, and proceed to receive the bal
lots of the members of said company from the hour of 10 o'clock a. m.
and continue to receive the same and to keep the poll open until the hour
of 6 o'clock p. m. of the same day, unless all the members of said com
pany (not expressly declining to vote) shall have sooner voted.

IV. The clerk will register the name of each member (as he votes)
in a list as required by law, and at the close of the polls the judges and
clerk will count the ballots and declare the number of votes received by
each candidate respectively for said offices, and make out a certificate of
the same, signed by the three judges and attested by the clerk.

V. The judges and clerk of each and every company will, as soon as
the election is closed at the different precincts (and not later than 7:30
o'clock p. m.) meet at the location of the company commanded by the cap
tain holding the senior commission in said regiment, viz.. Captain George

234

Greene, and they will then and there add together the votes received by
each candidate at any and all of said precincts from which returns shall
then have been made, and they will thereupon declare the result of said
election. They will also make out a written certificate, stating the names
of the candidates and the number of votes by them respectively received
for the different offices, and that the candidate receiving the highest num
ber of votes for colonel, lieutenant-colonel or major is duly elected to the
same, which will be signed by the judges and attested by the clerks col
lectively, who are in attendance. This joint certificate will be forthwith
delivered to the undersigned, now at this place, in order that the commis
sions may be issued without delay.

VI. It is recommended that all of said offices be voted for on one and
the same ballot.

VII. All persons are warned against interfering in any manner with
the freedom of election. Every volunteer will be protected in his legal
right to vote a folded ballot, which will not be opened until the polls are
closed, and no undue restraint from any quarter whatever of the right of
suffrage will be tolerated. Any attempt, on the contrary, to interfere with
or to infringe upon the full and free privilege of the voters will be prompt
ly visited by such punishment under the penal laws of the State as in such
case is made and provided.

By order of the Governor and Commander in Chief.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

THE FIFTH REGIMENT ORDERED TO MEXICO.

New Albany Democrat, October 26,

The election of field officers took place on the 22d. James H. Lane,
of course, was elected colonel. Captain Allen May of the Montgomery
Boys was elected lieutenant-colonel, and Mr. Myers, major. Major-Gen-
eral Butler has issued a general order, from which we make the following
extract :

"The Fifth Indiana, Colonel Lane, will embark at Madison on the
31st with thirty-five days' rations, and on reaching Louisville draw its
arms and accoutrements and any camp equipage that may be lacking from
the depot at that place.

"On reaching New Orleans the superior officer on each boat will re
port his arrival to the chief of the quartermaster's department at that
place, who will furnish the vessels necessary for crossing the gulf and
designate the place at which the troops and stores will be transhipped.
If practical, no portion of the troops will IK? landed before reaching Vera
Cruz, but should it become necessary, they will, under no circumstances
be permitted to enter the city of New Orleans. So soon as the tranship
ment is completed each vessel will proceed direct to Vera Cruz without
further orders and the superior officer will report to the commanding offi
cer at that place and receive his orders for the time being should the
commanding officer not have arrived."

235
A GOOD WORD FOB THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL.

New Albany Democrat, October 28, 1847.

We learn that as a compliment to the able and efficient Adjutant-Gen
eral of this State the Indiana volunteers now in rendezvous at Madison
have styled their encampment "Camp Reynolds." The following preamble
and resolutions, which we believe have never before been publishd, were
adopted unanimously with three hearty cheers by the officers and men of
the Fourth Regiment a short time previous to their departure from Camp
Clark in June last. These compliments are well deserved. Too much
praise cannot be bestowed on General Reyonlds by the volunteers and
people of Indiana for the prompt, efficient and satisfactory manner in
which he has discharged the duties of his office in the organization of the
five regiments from this State :

Whereas. Adjutant-General David Reynolds has, by the unremitting,
able and efficient discharge of his duty, rendered our stay at this place
both comfortable and pleasant, and has by his general deportment en
deared himself to this regiment : therefore,

Resolved, That this regiment tender to the said David Reynolds their
sincere thanks and grateful acknowledgments, which they will carry with
them to the country .of the enemy and again to their homes.

Indiana Sentinel, October 30, 1841.

NATIONAL BRIDGE, MEXICO, September 24, 1847.

EDITOR SEXTI^EL — General Lane's brigade has proceeded this far en
route to the capital of Mexico. His entire force, about 3,000 men, with
the necessary train of wagons, forms a line of over two miles. Very little
opposition yet except ambuscades and guerrilla parties. The whole country
swarms with these. The features of the country favor this mode of at
tack, being covered with a dense and luxuriant undergrowth, intersected
with deep ravines and narrow passes. The march of a large force through
such a country, even in Mexico, is dangerous. In some countries it is im
practicable.

From indications not to be mistaken, General Lane had reason to ex
pect an attack at or near Cerro Gordo. He also found it necessary to
send back to Vera Cruz for some more wagons and an additional supply
of ammunition. In the meantime he resolved to proceed and divided his
brigade in the following order: Five companies of the Fourth Indiana
Regiment, to wit : A, B, C, D and E ; the entire Ohio regiment ; two com
panies of regular infantry: four pieces of artillery, with the necessary
train of wagons, in all about 2.000 men. The balance of the brigade con
sisted of five companies of the Fourth Indiana, to wit : F, G, H, I, K ;
also Captain Simmons" s battalion and Captain Lewis's Dragoons with the
train expected from Vera Cruz, in all about 800 men, under the command
of Major W. W. McCoy. Should any fighting take place it is very likely
the Major will have an opportunity of adding a laurel to the civic wreath
that now so heavily adorns his brow.

The second day of our march from Vera Cruz an attack of lancers

236

was made on our front. The Texan Rangers, who led the van, attended
to their cases, killing seven. The balance ran off. I remarked the cool
ness, courage and self-possession depicted on Major McCoy's countenance,
as, galloping along the line he formed a square to receive the lancers and
exclaimed: . "Now, my brave boys, show yourselves men." It so happened
that our preparations were useless for that time. The next day, however,
Lieutenant Cline of the Louisiana Dragoons, was shot through the head by
an ambuscade. He died instantly, his company then forming the rear
guard.

No positive information from General Scott except that a great deal of
hard fighting has been done, but the enemy invariably got badly whipped.
What the effect of these repeated whippings will be upon the feelings,
either physical or moral, of the Mexican people, predisposing them to peace,
I cannot even conjecture. Time will show. It is a difficult problem to
solve and General Lane and his brigade will have the opportunity of work
ing it out. Your friend,

A REPORTER IN MEXICO.

THE HANCOCK B'HOYS.

Company D, Fifth Regiment.

From History of Hancock County.

More than a third of a century has winged its flight into the mighty
past since the brave boys that composed Company D of the "Fifth Indiana
Volunteers" of foot soldiers, under Captain James R. Bracken, commanded
by Colonel James H. Lane, bid a final adieu to Mexican soil and scenes and
the hardships of war and started for their homes in the distant north, and
yet there still lives among us a number who bear the names found on the
following roll, wrhile the greater part, however, are with us only in memory,
their spirits having flown to fairer lands, and their bodies lie mouldering
in the dust. * * * Hancock has since sent many companies to her
country's defense, but perhaps she will never have the honor of furnishing
a braver, stronger, taller, nobler, grander company of men to fight her
battles than Company "D" of the Fifth Indiana Infantry. * * * The
company, after its organization in Greenfield, during the month of Septem
ber, went to Indianapolis, Indiana, in wagons, thence on flat cars, on the
first railroad in the State, to Madison, Indiana, a distance of one hundred
and ten miles.

MONROE COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Company G, Fourth Regiment.

From History of Monroe County.

In 1847 three more regiments were called for from Indiana, and Daniel
Lunderman began to raise a company. It was soon completed and became
G of the Fourth Regiment. This company was tendered a public farewell
by the citizens of Bloomington, who presented the boys with a national

237

banner. The company was with General Scott on his march from Vera
Cruz to the Mexican capital, and participated in nearly all of the .battles
on that memorable and triumphant route. A number of the boys was killed
and many more wounded, but their names cannot be given. The company
returned at the end of one year. Several were left in honored graves in
the land of the Montezuiuas.

ALLEN COUNTY VOLUNTEERS.

Company K, Fifth Regiment.

from History of Allen County.

In October, 1847, after the muster-out and discharge of the First Regi
ment, another call for volunteers having been made by the President,
Captain Lewis commenced the organization of another company which was
soon completed, and it was mustered into the service of the United States
at Madison, Ind., January 0, 1848, and assigned to the Fifth Regiment,
commanded by Colonel Jas. H. Lane.

A few days afterward, the regiment departed for the seat of war, and,
passing down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and crossing the Gulf of
Mexico, disembarked at Vera Cruz.

The war being practically ended, the only duty the regiment ever per
formed was that of garrison duty at different points, while the questions
involved in making the treaty of peace were being settled by the two gov
ernments.

The questions in dispute having been satisfactorily disposed of, the
troops of our government were withdrawn, and they returned home, the
Fifth Regiment being mustered out at Madison on the 2Sth of July. 1848,
and the members of Captain Lewis's company dispersed at that place, to
reach their homes as each saw fit.

DEPARTURE OF FIFTH REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat. November 2. 1S47.

The Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers broke up their camp at Camp
Reynolds, near Madison, on Sunday last, November 1, arrived at Jefferson-
ville on the same evening, where they remained during the night, and
passed this city on their way to New Orleans and the seat of war on the
steamboats Wave, Ne Plus Ultra and Phoenix, last evening. The regiment,
we learn, contains but nine companies at present. Captain Lewis, we hear,
has had his company filled three different times, and as often, from some
cause or other, it has disbanded. It is left to General Butler's decision
whether Captain Lewis shall be allowed still further time to complete his
company, or whether Captain Frisbee's company shall be accepted.

238

COMPLIMENTARY TESTIMONIAL.

New Albany Democrat, November 2,

The Madison Courier, speaking of the Fifth Ilegiment of Volunteers
recently encamped near that city, says: "During the time this body of
men have been encamped here, they have conducted themselves with great
propriety, and their conduct has reflected honor on the character of the
volunteer soldier. We hear no complaints from our citizens, no disgraceful
outrages on their part. Take them all in all, they are a fine-looking body
of men and appear competent to do good service in the field. May good
health and good luck attend them in their arduous campaign. They will
probably be absent a long time; somo may never return, but under all
the circumstances it is not doubted they will sustain the honor of their
country, their State, and the American name by their bravery in battle and
moderation in victory. We notice that the indefatigable exertions of Colo
nel Lane, seconded by other officers, have already brought the regiment to
a considerable proficiency in military evolutions, so far as they can be
executed without arms.

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT ARMSTRONG.

New Albany Democrat, November 2,

We regret to see among the list of killed and wounded of General
Worth's division at the battle of Moliuo del Key, the name of Lieutenant
W. Armstrong of the Second Artillery. He was the son of AValter Arm
strong, Esq., of Vevay, Indiana, and was a young officer of great merit and
bravery. He was raised at this place and was a schoolboy with many of
the young now resident here. He was in the battle of Cerro Gordo and all
of the subsequent battles under General Worth, until he lost his life in the
terrible conflict at Molino del Key. The country has in Lieutenant Arm
strong, lost one among the most promising of her young officers.

New Albany Democrat, \orcmber 2,

Two volunteers, Jackson Page of Captain McDougal's company, and
Samuel McFall of Captain McKinzie's company, died at Madison last week.

Indiana Sentinel, November 3,

The Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers departed from Madison on
Sunday last for the seat of war. A friend has furnished us the following
particulars. The several companies departed as follows: On the steamer
Ne Plus Ultra, Colonel Lane, Surgeon Athon and companies E, D. and F.
On the Phoenix, Lieutenant-Colonel May, Assistant Surgeon Mullin and
companies A; B. and G. On the Wave, Major Myers, Dr. McClure and com
panies C. H and I.

239
INDIANIAXS WOUNDED IX BATTLE.

Indiana Sentinel, Xoveniber 3, 1S47.

Among those wounded in the late battles of the City of Mexico we
notice the name of John S. Siiuonson, Captain of Dragoons. He is a prom
inent citizen of Clark County and was appointed by the' President last
winter. Also that of James Tiltpu of this city, a lieutenant in the Volti-
geur regiment, which so gallantly and effectively displayed itself at the
storming of Chapultepec.

Indiana Journal, November 5, 1847.

Adjutant-General Reynolds returned by yesterday's cars from Camp
Reynolds. %We understand that he escorted the gallant Fifth Regiment as
far as Louisville.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL WANTS MORE PAY.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., Nov. G, 1847.

SIR — Please inform me at your earliest convenience if the Adjutant-
General of a state can be paid by the general government for his services
while actually engaged in raising troops under requisition of the War De
partment, and if so what will be his per month allowance, and what au
thentication and steps are necessary to secure said payment?

During a portion of the present year my whole time has been devoted
to the raising and forwarding of the Fourth and Fifth Regiments of In
diana Volunteers, being necessarily from home with the troops nearly
three months, on a heavy expense. The law of Indiana allows me but $100
per annum, out of which office rent. fuel, lights, etc.. are paid, leaving but
a very small fraction for other necessary expenses.

I shall be greatly obliged to you for a speedy answer to the above.
I have the honor to be. sir.

Your obedient servant,

D. REYNOLDS,

Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.
Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War. Washington City. D. C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 1847.

SIR — In reply to your letter of the Gth inst.. I have the honor to in
form you that nothing can at present be allowed you for your services
while engaged in raising, organizing and forwarding the volunteers from
your state. The resolution of the 3d of March last, which is the only act
authorizing payments for such objects, is construed to apply only to ex
penses incurred prior to its passage. It is probable, however, that there
will bo further legislation on the subject at the approaching session of
Congress.

Very respectfully, your ob't servant.

W. L. MARCY,

Secretary of War.
D. Reynolds, Adjutant-General of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana.

240
DEATH OF LIEUTENANT BENJAMIN.

New Albany Democrat, November 11, 1847.

The Union, copying the notice of the death of Lieutenant Armstrong of
this city, says that Indiana has to mourn the loss of another son in the
person of Lieutenant Calvin Benjamin. Lieutenant Benjamin was a brave
and meritorious officer of the Fourth Artillery. He was in the battles at
Palo Alto, Resaca, Monterey and Vera Cruz. At Cerro Gordo he com
manded a company and conducted himself with such skill and bravery as
to draw forth the warm commendations of his commanding officers in their
official reports. He was with his regiment in the several hard fought
battles before the city and fell in the last struggle at the gates.

Xew Albany Demwmt, Xorctnber 11, 1847.

Some ten or twelve recruits for the regular army left this city for
Newport Barracks yesterday morning.

FIELD OFFICERS OF FIFTH REGIMENT.

A'ew; Albany Democrat, November 11, 184".

The State Sentinel gives the following list of appointments of field of
ficers of the Fifth Regiment : Colonel, James H. Lane ; Lieutenant-Colo
nel, Allen May; Major, John M. Myers; Adjutant, John M. Lord; Ser
geant-Major, F. P. Bradley; Second Sergeant-Major, - - Oldshue;
First Musician, William Miller; Second Musician, John Sunnian ; Armorer,
A. J. Gray; Regimental Orderly, P. H. Conroy.

The following otiicers were left by orders, to recruit for the service:
At Madison, Lieutenant W. Jones and Sergeant Ed Badgley ; at Evansville,
Lieutenant David Sliunk and Sergeant Lance; at Lafayette, Lieutenant S.
Crane and Sergeant Hosea.

ANOTHER GOOD WORD FOR THE ADJUTANT-
GENERAL.

Indiana Journal, November 12, 1847.

MR. EDITOR — It is gratifying that the press in this place has at last
uttered the kind sentiments the people have so long felt for the able
services of Adjutant-General Reynolds.

The Sentinel has been forced by public opinion to draw from its musty
pigeon-holes the resolutions long since adopted by the regiment commanded
by the gallant Colonel Gorman, expressive of the sense of gratitude that
command felt towards General Reynolds. Why w^ere these resolutions kept
back by the executive organ in this State? Why not published long since?

There was a time in the early administration of Governor Whitcomb
when no important measure was adopted and carried out without the

241

knowledge and approval of the best friend the people ever had, but since
the Governor and the Messrs. Bright have been absorbed in state bonds,
dividends, etc., General Reynolds has not enjoyed the Executive's confidence
as he once did. General Reynolds is emphatically the people's friend. He
esteems his friends but he loves his country more. He is plain and
straightforward in his course and it is well known that any mysterious
juggling in the administration of public affairs would meet his decided
disapprobation.

In the participation of the administration of the civil matters of this
State he may, for the present, be excluded, but, in the language of the late
Sentinel : '-He is beloved by all of our troops who have had an oppor
tunity of becoming acquainted with him.'' This the sagacity of the Gov
ernor has long since discovered and in sending forward our regiments to
the Mexican war the Governor has, in a great measure, surrendered the
important task to General Reynolds, who, in his dispatch of the several
regiments to the seat of war has so deservedly earned the high esteem of
his fellow citizens.

Should the war cease, General Reynolds's influence will again be felt
in the administration of the civil affairs of our State and could he con-
sistentl3T leave his post and fill the place of State agent in the place of
Mr. Bright, the public would be as well served and less painful conjecture
would be felt as to the manner in which the interest of the State has been
husbanded, and we conjecture that the Executive would find himself safer
in the councils of General Reynolds than in the advice of his present fa
vorites, the lately appointed Supreme Judges. Dr. Smith and Mr. Perkins.

JUSTICE.

RECRUITS WANTED.

.Indiana Sentinel, ^ovember 13, 18^7.

Sergeant C. W. West of the Fifth Regiment, now en route to the head
quarters of General Scott, will be found at Drake's Hotel for a few days,
ready to receive any number of men who wish to try the fortunes of war.

\eic Albany Democrat, November 13, 1841.

ADJUTAXT-GEXERAL'S OFFICE,

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 5, 1847.

By reference to the subjoined order of Colonel Lane, it will be seen
that the company commanded by Captain D. W. Lewis, Fifth Indiana Vol
unteers, did not arrive at Madison full in time to leave with the regiment,
in consequence of the great distance it had to travel and other difficulties
thrown in its way. Hence, it is still at Madison. It is always seen that
subsistence and camp equipage are on hand for the recruit the moment he
arrives. Forty men can be accommodated with places in the company,
who may (as I was verbally informed by Colonel Lane) at their option,
either remain in said company or be transferred to duty in some one of the
other nine on reaching the regiment.

16-18750

242

Captain Lewis informed me that several of the non-commissioned of
fices are yet to be filled, and are hence open for competition. This is a
good opportunity to get into the service, and the undersigned expresses the
hope that a sufficient number of patriotic young men will immediately re
port themselves to Captain Lewis, to enable him to speedily join the regi
ment at Vera Cruz previous to its march from that point to join General
Scott at the Mexican capital. Address Captain Lewis at Madison, Indiana.

DAVID REYNOLDS,

Ad j utant-General .

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, STEAMER NE PLUS ULTRA, Nov. 1, 1847.
Captain D. W. Lewis :

You will with energy progress in filling your company. I have ap
pointed Lieutenant J. B. Sawtell of your company, assistant commissary
and quartermaster. You will make your requisitions on him for such sub
sistence and quartermaster's stores as you may require in filling up your
company.

After the company is filled and uniformed, you will make a requisition
on the quartermaster at Cincinnati, or elsewhere, for transportation and
at the earliest possible moment join the regiment with your company.

You will report instanter to the War Department at Washington and
to Lieutenant-Colonel Irving, Second Artillery, Cincinnati, Ohio, Superin
tendent of Recruiting Service, the situation of your company and the in
structions you have received.

Yours with respect,

J. II. LANE,
Colonel Commanding. Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

Indiana Journal, November 16,

Our old friend, Albert Wert, formerly of the St. Joseph Valley Regis
ter, has established a recruiting office at Frazier's Hotel for Captain
Lewis's company of volunteers now at Madison. If there are any more of
the boys who want to "see the elephant" they can still have a chance.

PEESENTATION OF COLORS TO THE FIFTH
REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat, November 18. 18^1.

The day before the Fifth Regiment struck their tents and embarked for
Mexico, Colonel Lane drew his regiment up on Camp Reynolds, forming
three sides of a square, to receive their regimental flags from the hands of
the Adjutant-General of the State. The flag bearers took position four
paces apart in the vacant side of the square and near the right of the
regiment. In the meantime the banners were floating in the strong breeze

243

then blowing from the water. Colonel Lane took a position to the right
of the General, while the flags were to his left. A large concourse of per
sons were in and around the square and witnessed the ceremonies. All
being ready, the General stepped forward, recognizing- first Colonel Lane
and then the regiment, and then in substance said:

Officers and Men — I will not charge you to return these flags untar
nished. A long and intimate personal knowledge of your character, run
ning from one month to fifteen years, forbids the necessity. The fact that
yon are all volunteers and go of your own election and have each an in
dividual reputation at home to sustain in the hour of battle, forbids the
necessity. The fact that all your field, staff, and a very large portion of
your company officers and men have served one year with great honor to
themselves and our State, forbids the necessity. The fact that you have a
large number in your midst who bore a conspicuous part in the fearful
fight of Buena Vista, and that you are commanded by the same accom
plished and gallant Colonel Lane who had the honor of commanding the
"Uublenchiug Third Indiana" throughout that dark and bloody day, with
out a single falter, not only forbids the necessity of such a charge, but
also the propriety.

These banners, then, with the honor of the State, are confidently com
mitted to your guardianship with the fullest assurance that neither the
one will be dishonored nor the other tarnished.

My official connection with you will soon have ceased, but having co
operated with you ever since the first tap of the drum which called you to
the tented field, and having mingled "with you since your arrival here, I
beg you to be sure that yon bear with you the warmest feelings of my
heart for the preservation of your lives, your honor, and for your safe
return to our beloved State.

Be assured -that whether in the toilsome march, slumbering in your
white pavilions beside your blazing camp fire, or mingling in the scenes of
carnage on the field of battle, my ardent prayer shall ascend to the God
of nations, of arms and of battles that lie may preserve your lives and
your honor and guide you to a high and honorable and glorious destiny.

At the closing sentence the entire regiment gave three long and loud
cheers for General Reynolds. Colonel Lane then responded to the General
on behalf of the regiment in a patriotic and eloquent speech of considerable
length. We regret that his departure on the next day prevented us from
getting a report. He, too, was loudly and heartily cheered by the regi
ment when he had concluded.

\ew Albany Democrat, yovem'ber 18, 1847.

Three companies of the Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers arrived
at New Orleans on the Oth iust. Colonel Lane, Major Morrison, Captains
McDougal, McKenzie and Bracken. Captain Young, quartermaster, and
Dr. J. S. Athoii, surgeon, were of this detachment.

244
NEWS FROM MEXICO.

Indiana Journal, November 19, 1847.

General Lane succeeds Colonel Childs in the command of Puebla. He
drove the guerillas from the city, proclaimed martial law and established
an efficient police. He is said to have acted with a great deal of prompt
ness in restoring order and is very popular among the well-disposed of all
classes.

A TUG OF WAR.

New Albany Democrat, November 20, 1847.

A telegraphic despatch to the Louisville papers, dated Richmond. No
vember 18, says: At the late battle at the city of Huamantla there oc
curred a struggle between the Pennsylvania and Indiana Volunteers as to
whom the honor should accrue of planting our national flag upon the walls
of that city. The contest was one of great animation and vigor. The
Pennsylvanians, however, succeeded in accomplishing the glorious feat.

LANE DEFEATS SANTA ANNA.

Neic Albany Democrat, November 23,

We publish in another column, from a Puebla paper, an interesting ac
count of the battle of Huamantla, in which General Santa Anna was out
generaled and defeated by our gallant Hoosier General Lane.

ACCIDENT TO GOVERNOR WHITCOMB.

New Albany Democrat, November 2~>, 1847.

The State Sentinel of Wednesday, the 17th, says : We learned late last
evening that a shocking accident happened to Governor Whitcomb on the
down train of railroad cars yesterday at Edinburgh. The Governor had
stepped off of the cars for a few moments arid was about stepping on again
while the cars were in motion. His foot slipped and he fell between the
cars and the platform of the depot, the cars whirling him round, and crush
ing his thigh as they went. The Governor was insensible for some time
after he was extracted, but finally recovered consciousness. The exact
character and extent of the injury we are unable to state, but from what
we are told it will be some time, if ever, before he can recover.

GOVERNOR WHITCOMB RECOVERS.

New Albany Democrat, November 25, 1847.

The State Sentinel of the 20th says : Governor Whitcomb was brought
to this city from Edinburgh on Wednesday last. The injuries he received
do not appear to be of so dangerous a character as we inferred from the

245

account first received. Still, he was very badly bruised and came within an
ace of destruction.

The Governor has improved very much since the close of the 18th. It
is now understood that no bones were broken, nor was there any vital or
gan injured. His wounds consist of a series of contusions and bruises on
the lower limbs, from which it is not now probable that any lasting injury
will result.

GENERAL LANE A MERCIFUL RULER.

Indiana Sentinel, November 21, 1847.

Advices from Puebla report the city as having been effectively subdued.
General Lane commanded the respect of the citizens and invited those who
dispersed, subsequent to the siege, to return and resume their respective vo
cations. He also gave permission to the Governor to return and resume
his functions.

REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE

INDIANA MILITIA TO THE GOVERNOR,

DECEMBER 1, 1847.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, December 1, 1847.
To His Excellency James Whitcomb, Governor and Commander-in-Chief :

In compliance with law, the following statement of the military affairs
of Indiana for the year 1847, is below respectfully submitted :

The Senate and House committees of the Legislature of last winter,
in compliance with the supposed wishes of the people, drew up with great
labor, a bill for the reorganization of the militia, combining the law of
1831 which governs the district militia, with the law of 1844, regulating
the independent militia, omitting such defects, and adding such new pro
visions, as in their opinion, would best secure the object desired. The bill
passed the House by a very large majority, but sleeps on the files of the
Senate amongst the unfinished business, so that the laws of 1831 and 1844
are still in force.

With regard to the -importance of a thorough organization of the
militia of the State, and some of the reasons in favor of it, you are re
spectfully referred to what is said on that subject in my last annual report.

There has been considerable activity in the State militia during the
last year. This has been true of the District as well as of the Independent
Militia, and is corroborated by a large correspondence and issue of com
missions. In the course of the past year the War Department made two
separate requisitions on this State, each for a regiment of volunteer in
fantry, to serve during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged, and
as the raising, organizing and forwarding these regiments constituted the
most important part of the year's operations, it is deemed proper to lay
before you a detailed statement of the same.

The first requisition, dated April 19th, was received by the Executive

246

on the 24th of the same month, and was immediately followed by the
Proclamation, and in due season by the general orders hereunto appended,
and which were by the undersigned addressed to every county in the State.

As directed by the Governor, the undersigned repaired, on the 5th day
of June, to Old Fort Clark, near Jeffersonville, to superintend the organi
zation of the regiment and generally to advance the comfort and welfare
of the troops. Several of the companies arrived at the rendezvous with
out the number of men required to entitle them to be mustered into service,
and the officers of the United States Army did not, under their instruc
tions, feel authorized to subsist and quarter them until so mustered. This
contingency had not been anticipated, and hence no arrangement had been
made to meet it. The result was, that some of the officers, until their
companies were full enough, kept 'their men at their own expense, which,
in some instances, proved beyond their immediate ability to meet. These
unpaid claims amounting to some few hundred dollars, certified by the offi
cers will, it is probable, be presented to this Legislature for payment, by
those who furnished the supplies, and it is respectfully recommended that
said claims be paid.

It is due to the citizens of Jeffersouville to say that they exhibited a
public spirit and a praiseworthy hospitality, by raising funds and furnish
ing accommodations to relieve the troops under the embarrassments re
ferred to.

By the IGth of June the Fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was
finally organized, and on the 27th of the same month it embarked for the
seat of war with the following as its officers : Willis A. Gorman, Colonel ;
Ebenezer Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel ; William W. McCoy, Major ; Lieu
tenant Edward Cole, Adjutant; Joseph Combs, Sergeant-Major ; T. M.
Smith, Quartermaster-Sergeant; Dr. Brower and Dr. Finley, temporary
Surgeons. •

Company A, Marion Guards, Grant County, Captain J. M. Wallace.
Company B, Gosport Guards, Owen County, Captain J. I. Alexander.
Company C, Dearborn County Guards, Dearborn County, Captain W. T.

Baldridge.

Company D, Marion County Infantry, Marion County, Captain E. Lander.
Company E, Spencer County Volunteers, Spencer County, Captain J. W.

Crooks.
Company F, Columbus Legion, Bartholomew County, Captain M. Fitz-

gibbon.
Company G, Rough and Ready Guards, Monroe County, Captain D. Lin-

dermau.

Company H, Fort Harrison Guards, Vigo County, Captain L. Cochran.
Company I, Northern Rangers, Laporte County, Captain B. Fravel.
Company K, Hoosier Boys of Dearborn, Dearborn County, Captain A. L.

Mason.

Of the moneys by you on behalf of the State advanced and assumed
for transporting and subsisting companies to the rendezvous, all was by
the captains of said companies, paid to me, and by me accounted for to you,
except $358.07 as follows : To Captain M. Fitzgibbon, $76.25, which he said
the keeping of his men before they were mustered, rendered him unable

247

to pay, but for which he gave an order on the house of Messrs. Dobbin &
Co., of Columbus, Indiana, which has been presented but not yet paid.
And a balance of $281.82 to Captain J. M. Wallace, his bill being $250.00
for money received of you, and $106.00 for railroad transportation, mak
ing the sum of $356.00, none of which was at the time paid, but he having
on the 28th day of October paid $74.18, leaving $281.82 as above. For a
detailed account of the latter case, you are respectfully referred to my re
port of 21st of September last.

The communication from the War Department calling for the Fifth
Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, dated the 26th day of August, was re
ceived on the 31st day of that mouth, and the Executive Proclamation and
General Orders, also appended, were duly issued and addressed as before.

The ten companies composing the regiment had on the 23d of Septem
ber been reported to this office, and their services accepted by Colonel
Lane. Several extra companies were reported for each regiment, but could
not be received.

On the 25th day of September, as directed by the Governor, the under
signed repaired to Madison, the place of rendezvous, where on consulta
tion with Col. S. Churchill, Inspector General of the United States Army, it
was learned that the first day of October would be the earliest period at
which arrangements could be made for quartering and subsisting the com
panies, who were thereupon ordered to be at the rendezvous on said day,
or as soon thereafter as possible.

An order, however, was procured from Colonel Churchill to quarter and
subsist companies on their arrival, though not full enough to be mustered,
thus avoiding the difficulty on that point experienced by the Fourth Regi
ment.

The organization of the Fifth Regiment was effected on the 22d day of
October, and it embarked for Vera Cruz on the 31st of that mouth under
charge of the following officers, viz. : James H. Lane. Colonel ; Allen
May, Lieutenant-Colonel ; John M. Myers, Major ; Lieutenant John M.
Lord, Adjutant ; J. S. Athon, Surgeon : P. G. Jones, Assistant Surgeon ; F.

P. Bradley, Sergeant-Major ; J. Oldshue, Quartermaster-Sergeant.
Company A. Indiana Guards. Jefferson County, Captain H. Hull.
Company B, Rough and Ready Guards, Clark County, Captain G. Greene.
Company C, Coviugtou Guards, Fountain County, Captain R. M. Evans.
Company D, Hancock B'hoys, Hancock County, Captain J. B. Bracken.
Company E, Shelby ville Hards, Shelby County. Captain S. McKeuzie.
Company F, Centre Guards, Marion County, Captain J. McDougall.
Company G, Grabbers No. 2, Dearborn County, Captain A. C. Gibbs.
Company H, Washington Guards. Grant County, Captain E. G. Carey.
Company I, Montgomery Boys, Montgomery County. Captain M. D. Manson.
Company K, Wayne Guards, Allen County, Captain D. W. Lewis.

The last named company not arriving at Madison, full, in time to em
bark with the others, in consequence of the great distance it had to travel,
and other obstacles thrown in its way, was left by Colonel Lane to com
plete its numbers, and join the regiment as soon as possible.

The Madison and Indianapolis Railroad Company, this, as well as last
year, conveyed the volunteers for half the price charged other passengers,

248

and it is gratifying to be able to report that in the case of the Fifth Regi
ment every cent of the expense of their passage assumed by the State, was
paid to the undersigned (and by him accounted for) by Captains Mc-
Dougall, Evans, Bracken, McKenzie, May, Carey and Hull, whose com
panies had been in whole, or in part, transported.

The citizens of Madison merited and received the thanks of the troops
for their kindness to them while quartered there.

The duties of this office, as may be inferred from the foregoing, have
employed all my time during the greater part of the past year, and that
my duties and compensation may be seen, attention is asked to the follow
ing section of the militia law of 1831 :

"Sec. 84. The Adjutant-General shall keep his office at the seat of
government, and shall keep a fair record of all orders and communications
which he may from time to time receive from the Commander-in-Chief, as
well as of requisitions by him made for commissions upon the Secretary of
State, and of all other business transacted in his office. He shall also re
ceive from officers commanding divisions, annual returns of the strength of
the militia, and lay the same before the Commander-in-Chief on or before
the first day of December, and transmit under the direction of the Com
mander-in-Chief, a duplicate to the Secretary of War for the United States,
and a copy thereof to each branch of the General Assembly. He shall be
allowed an annual salary of one hundred dollars."

It is seen by the above law, passed in time of peace, when our popula
tion was less than half its present number, and evidently not intended for
the present state of things, that the Adjutant-General is compelled to keep
an office at the seat of government, but while other State officers are either
furnished with offices, or means to hire suitable ones, he has to hire his from
his own pocket. He gets no fees or perquisites. He has no clerk nor other
assistance, save at his own expense. He has during the past year paid for
the fuel and lights and a portion of the stationery used in his office, and the
State has not been taxed with one cent for furniture. The following state
ment shows his expense for office rent, fuel, lights, stationery, and also
while absent with the Fourth and Fifth Regiments in 1847 :

Office rent $43.33

Fuel, lights and the stationery by him furnished 28.75

Expenses while absent organizing the Fourth Regiment 56.00

Expenses while absent organizing the Fifth Regiment 69.00

Total $197.08

Salary 100.00

Amount paid out over salary $97.08

Having learned that under a law of Congress extra expenses incurred by
states in raising troops for the service in Mexico, has been paid by the
general government, a correspondence with the Secretary of War, hereunto
appended, was had on the subject, to which your attention is respectfully
called.

Your obedient servant,

D. REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General Indiana Militia.

249

APPENDIX.

WAR DEPARTMENT, April 19, 1847.

SIR — The President has directed that a volunteer force be accepted for
the war with Mexico, in addition to those' already in service. As it is
desirable that no time should be lost in raising this additional force, it is
proposed to accept and muster the volunteers by companies. Your Excel
lency is therefore requested to cause to be organized in your State ten com
panies of infantry to serve for during the war with Mexico, unless sooner
discharged. Each company will consist of 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 2
second lieutenants, 4 sergeants. 4 corporals, 2 musicians and 80 privates.
A regiment will consist of 1 colonel. 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 1 ad
jutant (a lieutenant of one of the companies, but not in addition), 1 ser
geant-major. 1 quartermaster-sergeant. 2 principal musicians and 10 com
panies. Should the number of companies here called for be raised, they
will at once be organized into a regiment, and your Excellency is re
quested to commission the field and company officers. It may become neces
sary to order the several companies to the scene of action as fast as they
are raised and mustered into service, in which case they would be organ
ized into battalions and regiments on reaching the place of destination.

Some convenient point on the Ohio is suggested as the place of ren
dezvous for the several companies as fast as they shall be organized,
where they will be inspected and mustered into service by an officer or of
ficers of the United States Army, who will in every case be instructed to
receive no man who is in years apparently over forty-five or under eighteen,
or who is not of physical strength and vigor. To this end the inspector will
be accompanied by a medical officer of the army, and the volunteers will
be submitted to his examination.

As all the field and company officers, with volunteers taken into the
service of the United States, under the act of 13th May, 1846, a copy of
which is enclosed, must be appointed and commissioned, or such as have
been appointed and commissioned, in accordance with the laws of the
State from whence they are taken, I beg to suggest the extreme importance
to the public service that the officers for the additional force herewith
requested, be judiciously selected.

The law provides for the pay. clothing (in money) and subsistence to
the non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates of volunteers when
received into the service of the United States.

In respect to clothing, the law requires that the volunteers shall fur
nish their own clothing, for which purpose it allows to each non-commis
sioned officer, musician and private, three dollars and fifty cents per month
during the time he shall be in the service of the United States. In order
that the volunteers who shall be mustered into service under this requisi
tion may be enabled to provide themselves with good and sufficient cloth
ing, the commutation allowance for six months (twenty-one dollars) will be
advanced to each non-commissioned officer, musician and private, after
being mustered into service, but only with the express condition that the
volunteer has already furnished himself with six months clothing— this
fact to be certified to the paymaster by the captain of the company or
that the amount thus advanced shall be applied, under the supervision of

250

his captain, to the object contemplated by law. In this latter case the ad
vance commutation for clothing will be paid on the captain's certificate
that he is satisfied it will be so applied.

In respect to subsistence before arriving at the place of rendezvous,
and for traveling home from the place of discharge, the allowance is fifty
cents for every twenty miles distance.

• The proper officers of the Staff Departments will be immediately sent
to the place of rendezvous with funds to defray the necessary expenses
which may be incurred, agreeable to law.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. MARCY,
Secretary of War.

His Excellency James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana, Indianapolis,
Indiana.

BATTLE OF HUAMANTLA.

Neiv Albany Democrat, December 2, 18JfJ.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PUEBLA, Oct. 18, 1847.
To the Adjutant-General, United States Army, Washington, D. C. :

SIR — I have the honor to make the following report of an engagement
between a part of my forces and the enemy under the command of General
Santa Ana, at the City of Iluamantla. on the 9th inst. After my depar
ture from Vera Cruz and when near the San Juan river, a party of guer-
rilas was observed near the hacienda of Santa Ana. Captain Lewis's com
pany of mounted volunteers was despatched in pursuit. A portion of the
command of Lieutenant Lilly came upon the enemy and had a smart
skirmish with them. Lieutenant Lilly behaved in a most gallant manner,
rallying and encouraging his men under a severe fire. Fpon leaving Paso
de Obejas the rear guard was fired upon by some small guerrilla forces,
and I regret to announce the death of Lieutenant Cline, who was shot. He
is reported to have been a most active and energetic young officer, belonging
to Captain Lewis's company of Louisiana mounted volunteers. At various
points on the road rumors reached me that a large force was concentrating
between Terote and Puebla. These rumors were confirmed upon my arrival
at the former place, and I also received the additional intelligence that
Santa Ana in person commanded them, having about four thousand men
and six pieces of artillery. No molestation occurred until my arrival at
the hacienda San Antonio Tamaril, at which place, through the medium of
spies, I learned that the enemy were at the city of Huamantla.

Leaving my train pack at the former place guarded by Colonel
Brough's regiment of Ohio Volunteers, Captain Simons's battalion of three
companies, and Lieutenant Pratt's battery, my force consisting of Colonel
Wynkoop's battalion from Perote, Colonel Gorman's regiment of volunteers,
Captain Ileintzleman's battalion of six companies, Major Lilly's regiment
of four companies of mounted men, under command of Captain Samuel
Walker, and five pieces of artillery under command of Captain George
Taylor, Third Artillery On arriving near the city at about one o'clock

251

p. in., Captain Walker, commanding the advance guard of horsemen, was
ordered to move forward ahead of the column (but within supporting dis
tance) to the entrance to the city, and if the enemy were in force to await
the arrival of the infantry before entering.

When within about three miles, parties of horsemen being seen making
their way through the fields toward the city. Captain Walker commanded
a "gallop," but owing to the thick magua bushes lining the sides of the road
it was impossible to distinguish his further movements. But a short time
had elapsed when firing was heard from the city; the firing continuing,
the column pressed forward as rapidly as possible. At this time a body of
about two thousand lancers was seen hurrying over the hills toward the city.
I directed Colonel Gorman of the Fourth Indiana to advance toward and
enter the west side of the city, while Colonel Wynkoop's battalion with
the artillery moved towards the east side, Captain Heintzleman moving on
his right and Major Lilly constituting the reserve.

Upon arriving at the entrance to the city Captain Walker discovered
the main body of the enemy in the plaza (about 300 in number), and or
dered a "charge." A hand-to-hand conflict took place between the forces,
but so resolute was the charge that the enemy was obliged to give way.
being driven from their guns. They were pursued by our dragoons for
some distance, but the pursuit was checked by the arrival of their rein
forcements. Colonel Gorman's regiment upon arriving at the entrance of
the city at about the same time of the reinforcements of the enemy, opened
a well-directed fire which succeeded in routing them. With the left wing
of his regiment he proceeded in person toward the upper part of the town
where the enemy still were and succeeded in dispersing them. Colonel
Wynkoop's command with the battery assumed their position, but before
they were within range the enemy fled in haste ; the same occurred with
Captain Heiutzleman's command. The enemy entering the town became
somewhat scattered. Major Lilly proceeded across the fields to cut off his
rear and intercept his retreat. This movement not being perceived, I or
dered him to advance toward the town, thus depriving him unintention
ally of an opportunity of doing good service. Captain Walker's force had
been engaged some three-quarters of an hour before the infantry arrived
to his support. He succeeded in capturing two pieces of artillery from the
enemy, but was not able to use them owing to the want of priming tubes,
although every effort was made.

On this occasion every officer and soldier behaved with the utmost cool
ness, and my warmest thanks are due them. Colonel Gorman, Lieutenant-
Colonel Dumont and Major McCoy of the Indiana Regiment ; Colonel Wyn-
koop of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, Major Lilly and Captain Heiutzleman
rendered me the most efficient service by their promptness in carrying into
execution my orders. To Surgeons Reynolds and Lamar the highest com
mendations are due, joining as they did in the charge of the cavalry. Sur
geon Reynolds, side by side with Captain Walker, rushed on the enemy's
line, and after the conflict was ended, rendered professional services to the
wounded, promptly performing amputations and other surgical operations
on the field of battle. Lieutenant Claiborue of the Mounted Riflemen cap
tured a six-pounder in a gallant manner, while Captain Fitzhuman of Com
pany C, Mounted Riflemen, captured a -mountain howitzer. Corporal Til-

252

man is highly spoken of by all. Lieutenant Anderson of the Georgia Volun
teers succeeded in capturing Colonel LaVega and Major Iturbide, narrowly
escaping with his life. The cavalry was much exposed and behaved with
all the bravery that characterize American soldiers on every occasion of
danger. My thanks are due to the members of my staff present for their
thoughtfulness in serving me.

Captain Desancon, with his command of Mounted Louisiana Volunteers,
in following the command of Captain Walker, was separated by a large
body of lancers from the remainder of the squadron, but gallantly succeeded
in cutting his way through them ; Lieutenant Henderson of the Louisiana
Volunteers was acting as one of my aides.

The colors of the Fourth Indiana were planted on the arsenal the mo
ment the enemy were routed. This victory is saddened by the death of one of
the most chivalric and noble-hearted men that graced the profession of arms,
Captain Samuel II. Walker of the Mounted Riflemen, foremost in the ad
vance ; he had routed the enemy when he fell mortally wounded. In his
death the service has met with a loss that cannot easily be repaired. Our
total loss is thirteen killed and eleven wounded. We succeeded in captur
ing one six-pounder brass gun and one mountain howitzer, both mounted,
together with a large quantity of ammunition and wagons, which I was
compelled to destroy. The enemy's loss was about one hundred and fifty.
I must beg leave to further mention Lieutenant B. P. McDonald, Third Ar
tillery, who was sent with an order into the town previous to my entrance,
accompanied by Mr. Bradley of the Quartermaster Department; he was
surrounded by lancers but succeeded in escaping.

I have the honor to be, sir,

Respectfully, your most obedient servant,

JOSEPH LANE, Brigadier-General.

INDIANIANS WOUNDED IN BATTLE.

New Albany Democrat, December 2, 1847.

We embrace the earliest opportunity to lay before our readers the in
teresting reports of General Lane. They will be read with interest by all
who regard the honor of our State and the fame of our soldiers, and will
show to the world that Indiana, notwithstanding she has been belied and
misrepresented by officers high in rank, can send into the field men who will
suffer in comparison with none. It will be noted that Captain Ford, whose
company was raised principally in this city, is spoken of in flattering terms.
We may mention here that we learn from another source that Eli Stewart,
of Captain Ford's company, was wounded during the siege of Puebla, and
that in the battle of Atlixco, Bernard Rork was mortally wounded, since
dead; Matthew Rautter, slightly; Josiah Corwin, severely; all three of
whom were attached to or serving with Captain Ford's Company D, Third
Dragoons.

253
LETTER FROM COMPANY D, FOURTH INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel, December 9, 1847.

PUEBLA, November 1, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — As we have a short space of rest after our long and
tiresome march from Vera Cruz here (if rest it may be called that is broken
by calls to scouting parties, picket guard, patrols, etc.). 1 will try and re
deem my promise of writing to you at the earliest opportunity. *
Our climate here is fine. Our only complaint can be that it is too cold in
the nights. The middle of the day is like your October. The rainy season
being over, we are not troubled with rain nor with dust, the paved streets
affording none.

The young men from Indianapolis, in the Marion Infantry, are all well
excepting Andrew Wells, who goes home discharged. Those from the
country who landed with us at Vera Cruz are all well but tired from their
long march. Young Brady and the young men from his neighborhood are
in good health and spirits. Lieutenant Pillbean, from your place, has
proved himself an active and efficient officer. Both he and Lieutenant
Lewis Holmes, as well as all the company, behaved with great credit at
the battle of Huamautla, a detailed and official account of which you must
have with you before this. In fact every time when it was supposed they
would meet the enemy (which was often in the course of the march), they
marched the quicker for the news and when drawn up in line of battle,
they were impatient for the attack.

At this place they rushed at the town in a perfect race, though expect
ing a desperate defense, and at Atlixco kept close to the cavalry in a run
ning fight of five miles. Every friend of the Marion company may well be
proud of the manner in which every soldier but one of that company has
borne himself, during the whole of this campaign. They have undergone
all the privations and fatigues of a long forced march through heat and
rain and cold without tents to shelter them. Without a murmur they
fought with credit and in no one instance has a single member of the com
pany been charged with an outrage or a theft since they have been in the
service.

EDWARD LANDER, Captain.

Madison Banner, December 8, i<S^7.

We learn that John A. Markley. of this city, Second Lieutenant Six
teenth U. S. Infantry, has been appointed quartermaster to Colonel Tib-
batts's regiment now stationed at Monterey, Mexico. A good appointment.

PROCEEDINGS OF A MEETING HELD AT PUEBLA,
MEXICO, DECEMBER 9, 1847.

At a meeting of the officers of the army at Puebla, Lieutenant-Colonel
Moore of the Fourth Ohio was called to the chair, and Captain A. L. Mason
of the Fourth Indiana was requested to act as secretary. Colonel Gorman

254

of the Fourth Indian:!, being called upon, explained the object of the meet
ing.

Colonel Brough, of the Fourth Ohio, being called upon, read an ad
dress which. niK)ii motion of Lieutenant Douglass, was adopted as the
sentiments of this meeting.

On motion of Lieutenant Douglass it was resolved that Lieutenant
Whipple, Assistant Adjutant-General, be requested to furnish a commit
tee appointed by this meeting composed of Lieutenants B. F. McDonald, S.
W. Waters and Alexander Hays, with a statement of the conversation be
tween himself and the Prefect of Puebla this day.

On motion of Colonel Gorman, it was resolved that a copy of the article
read by Colonel Brough, signed by the officers present oe furnished Com
mander-General Joseph Lane.

On motion of Lieutenant-Colonel Dumont. it was resolved that Colonel
Gorman, Colonel Brough, Captain Lewis and Captain Kessler be appointed
a committee to obtain a medal and present the same to Brigadier-General
Joseph Lane in the name of the officers of his brigade.

On motion of Colonel Brough, Lieutenant-Colonel Dumont was added to
the committee.

On motion of Lieutenant S. W. AVaters, it was resolved that the pro
ceedings of this meeting, being signed by its officers, be published in the
papers generally of the United States. After some most happy remarks
by Colonel Brough, Colonel Gorman, Lieutenant-Colonel Dumont and others,
the meeting adjourned.

Indiana Sentinel, December 1 'j. i,S/7.

PUEBLA, MEXICO, November 4, 1847.

EDITORS OF THE SENTINEL — The fragments of the grand army which
Santa Anna had collected for the defense of the capital and which General
Scott by the explosive force of his cannon had scattered to the four winds
of heaven, were disposed to question the right of General Lane to advance
with his brigade upon that city. For this purpose they had collected at a
city of about 12,000 inhabitants called Huamantla, situated a little north of
the main route and about half way between Perote and this place, to the
number of some 5,000 or 6,000 troops, consisting of lancers, infantry and
six brass six-pounders. The existence of this force and their hostile in
tention toward us, was ascertained upon good authority several days pre
vious to the 9th of October. On the morning of that day General Lane,
being within ten miles of the city of Huamantla, and neither having the
fear of Santa Anna before his eyes nor believing in the doctrine of "stop
page in transitu," took with him the gallant Fourth Indianians under Colo
nel Gorman, Major Lally's command, Colonel Wyncoop's Pennsylvania regi
ment, Pratt's and Taylor's batteries and Walker's Dragoons, leaving the
Ohio regiment to protect the train, provisions and wagons; about 2,000
men, good and true, to try the issue, and it being an issue of fact and not
of law, each party prepared to put themselves "upon the country," Walker's
Dragoons in advance, followed close by the Indiana regiment. The
Dragoons, with Walker at their head, entered the city as a whirlwind
enters the forest, driving the lancers before them and taking their cannon,

255

but owing to their small numbers (only about 270 strong), and having to
fire in advance of the infantry to be supported by them, the Mexicans re
covered some of their cannon and killed the brave and impetuous Walker.

The Indiana regiment, led by its brave Colonel, rushing forward in
full view, had now gained the city, and discovering the critical position of
Walker's command, threw themselves with resistless force upon the enemy,
and, "like the ocean's mighty swing, when heaving to the tempest's wing,
they hurled them on the foe." The fire of their musketry swept every
street, avenue and square and reverberated like distant thunder through
the ancient arches of the city. It was close, deadly and decisive, columns
of the lancers disappearing before it like smoke before the tempest, and in
half an hour not an armed "Mexican was to be found. The brave Indi-
aniaus were the "first to place their flag upon the arsenal and tear down
that of the enemy.

The capture of Major Iturbide and Colonel La Vega, the destruction
of several wagon loads of powder, the capture of large quantities of mules,
provisions and clothing, and the entire rout of the Mexican forces as
sembled here, are the results of this action, an action in which the chiv
alry, courage, discipline and steadfastness of the gallant Fourth Indiana
was placed in bold relief and the stigma of falsehood, envy and detraction
forever placed upon their slanderers : an action in which the whole world
will see. beyond a doubt, that the brigade of General Lane at large, and
the Fourth Indiana in particular, are determined to go ahead and not be
lieve in the doctrine of "stoppage in transitu."

A REPORTER IX MEXICO.

ILLNESS OF MAJOR McCOY.

Indiana Sentinel, December l'f. IS-fr.

XEW ORLEANS. November 27, 1847.

EDITOR SEXTIXEL — Colonel Barney's train, with which I traveled from
the city of Puebla, Mexico, to Vera Cruz, left Puebla on the 6th inst, at
which time, I regret to inform you, Major McCoy of the Fourth Indiana
Volunteers, was at that place dangerously ill. His recovery was thought
to be impossible. The health of the army is generally good. Things en
tirely quiet at the City of Mexico, as on the whole line from that place to
Vera Cruz. Respectfully yours.

R. SCHOOXOVER,
First Lieutenant Company D. Third Dragoons.

THE FIFTH REGIMENT ARRIVES AT VERA CRUZ.

Indiana Journal. December 21. 1SJ7.

We learn from a letter written by John Young to his father in this
city, dated Vera Cruz the 24th ult.. that the Fifth Regiment have arrived
at that place in safety, although they came very near being cast away in
consequence of a norther.

256
A GOOD WORD FOR SCHOONOVER.

New Albany Democrat, December 23, 1847-

Lieutenant R. Schoonover, Company D, Third Dragoons (Captain
Ford), arrived in this city yesterday. Lieutenant Schoonover is ordered
home on recruiting service, and we learn that he intends to open a recruit
ing station at Vincennes. The Lieutenant bore himself gallantly in the
fierce conflicts of National Bridge, Huamantla and Atlixco. He is every
where a favorite with the soldiers and this will be an excellent opportunity
for young men wishing to enter the dragoon service.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN McDOUGALL.

Indiana Sentinel, December 25, 1847.

VEBA CRUZ, Nov. 18, 1847.

EDITOR SENTINEL — I have but a moment to say a word before the mail
closes. Our regiment has arrived and is encamped on a beautiful grassy
plain about a mile above the city. We have come in an unprecedented
time. On our arrival at New Orleans we were immediately placed on sea
transports and left on the 15th, being just two weeks from the time we left
Madison. The health of the troops is good, particularly of the Center
Guards. The train from the City of Mexico arrived about two days since
with a large number of the wounded in the recent battles near the city.
Lieutenant Van Kuren's wound is represented as being more serious than
was expected. He has lost the entire use of his leg. He will probably re
main here for two or three weeks.

The ship of war, John Adams, is lying under the walls of the castle,
but I have not had time to go over and see whether your son is aboard. I
will go in a day or two.

In haste, your friend,

JOHN McDOUGALL.

WHY HE SUCCEEDED.

Indiana Sentinel, December 25, 1847.

We copy the following notice of General Lane from the New Orleans
Delta of the 9th ultimo:

"We have heard from persons \vho were in his train that General
Lane is one of the most energetic, pushing, indomitable generals that ever
led a column through a hostile country. No fatigue can weary, no danger
appal, no labor weaken his energy. He scattered the guerillas on his route
with the ease of a man brushing mosquitoes from his face, cleared his
front and flanks in either direction, defeating the enemy in several severe
skirmishes, and entering Puebla, restored order and quiet in the town and
relieved our hard-pressed garrison in the fort. A gentleman who accom
panied General Lane some distance on his route says he has one great
fault, and that is that he never sleeps himself and seems to forget that

257

other people are not as happily constituted in that respect as he is ; that
on the march he dispenses with the drums altogether and uses the crowing
of the cock as his reveille."

A DISAGREEABLE DUTY.

Indiana Sentinel, January 1, 1848.

One of the first duties performed by General Lane a'fter landing at
Vera Cruz was to preside at a court-martial appointed to try a young man
from Louisville for the killing of a corporal of one of the returning regi
ments at a fandango. The name of the party is not given. The court con
sisted of Colonel Lane, president; Colonel Cheatham, Lieutenant-Colonel
Whitfield, Major Ward, Captain Hull, Captain McDougall, judge advocate.
Colonel Thompson and Captain Heady acted as counsel for the accused.
We have not yet learned the result of the trial.

A FALSE REPORT CONTRADICTED.

Indiana Journal, January 5, 1848.

We are happy to find a contradiction of the report in reference to
General Lane's leaving Vera Cruz with barely sufficient ammunition to last
him to the National Bridge, and having to detail a portion of his force to
send back for more. We could never bring ourselves to believe this re
port reflecting so much dishonor upon the military capacities of General
Lane, although it has gone uncontradicted to the present time.

Captain R. M. Evans of the Fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers
writes to the Evansville Journal from Vera Cruz and gives the whole par
ticulars of the transaction upon which the report was predicated, and
clearly exonerates General Lane from all censure. In fact, there is not a
word of truth in the whole story, with the exception of the detail of a por
tion of his men at the National Bridge to send back to Vera Cruz, but in
stead of sending them for ammunition, General Lane sent them as an
escort to an unprotected downward train, which he had met at the former
place, and which was going to Vera Cruz after provisions to relieve the be
sieged garrisons at Perote, Jalapa and Puebla. General Lane started from
Vera Cruz with 2,100 men and ample provisions to last them clear through
Mexico. He also had four wagons loaded with ammunition, besides forty
rounds carried by each soldier.

MAJOR McCOY RECOVERS.

Indiana Sentinel, January 5, 1848.

A private letter from General Joseph Lane, dated Puebla, says :
"Major McCoy has recovered his health and is now able to do duty This
will be pleasant news to the Major's friends."

17—18750

258
A LETTER FOR THE BOYS.

Indiana Sentinel, January 18, 1848.

Some of the boys about town occasionally ask us if we have heard
from George since he sailed. We have at length got a letter from him
\vhich we publish below. He also sent another to his mother, in which he
thinks he shall come home in two or three years to see how we all get
along. He will see a great change by that time and will mid that he can
recollect the men better than the boys. In one of his earlier letters he
expressed a dislike to the discipline of the ship and the unpleasant duties
to be performed at night as well as in the day, and the severity of the first
lieutenant especially. He thinks better of it now, as we wrote him he
would. Boys, as well as men, can get used to almost anything if they try,
even, perhaps, the slaying of a Mexican in their old age.

U. S. FRIGATE CUMBERLAND,
OFF VERA CRUZ, MEXICO, Dec. 15, 1847.

DEAR FATHER — We arrived here today all well, and the letter bag came
on board in which I received two letters from you and mother dated Octo
ber 29th and November 5th. It has been forty-two days since we left Nor
folk for this post. We made Chagres (Isthmus of Darien) on the 20th of
November. We had a norther on the 12th and I was a little sick, but I
have not been on the sick list since I have been out, which cannot be said
of many midshipmen. This is a very fertile looking country about here.
We saw land about 6 o'clock this morning and hove to about 1 o'clock.
We saw Mount Orizimbo in all its glory, with its snow-covered top. We
are anchored about four miles from the city at Sacrificio, a small island,
but this will not be our permanent anchorage. I suppose the Commodore
will take us for his flagship. There is one British, one French, one Span
ish and an American brig, one American steamer and a sloop lying close by.

I do not think any more about resigning. I am pleased with a sea life
as well as I expected. I am very well pleased with the officers and like
the first lieutenant very well.

One of the greatest difficulties is that we cannot get enough to eat. I
think we will have to draw our rations down here, but I would rather live
on my rations than what we now get. There is plenty of oranges, bananas
and pineapples here. I do not know whether I shall get to go ashore for the
present or not. Excuse my bad writing. I have just come off of watch
and it is now half after 1 o'clock. The steamer leaves early this morning.
Give my love to all Your affectionate son,

G. H. CHAPMAN.*

*Civil War record: Major Third Indiana Cavalry, November 7, 1861; promoted Lieuten
ant-Colonel, October 25, 1862; promoted Colonel, March 12, 1863; promoted Brigadier-Gen
eral Volunteers, July 21, 1864;* breveted Major-General.

259
A CARD OF THANKS.

Madison Banner, January 19, 1848.

In behalf of the officers and privates of Captain Lewis's company of
volunteers, the undersigned returns his earnest and sincere thanks to the
Madison Bible Society for their very appropriate and praiseworthy dona
tion of some four dozen testaments designed for distribution among the
soldiers of that company.

ALBERT W. WEST. Sergeant.

"THE THEEE GUARDSMEN/'

Indiana Sentinel, January 25, 1848.

Among the distinguished men now in the city are the following officers
of the army: Captain Cochran, a veteran of the last war and now on re
cruiting service for the Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers; Captain
Ford of the U. S. Dragoons, who is also a veteran of the last war, and
who recently did such good service at the siege of Puebla under Colonel
Childs. Captain Ford wants a few suitable riders for the Dragoon service
and we have no doubt he will get them, especially if there is a chance of
serving under his immediate command. The Captain has seen his share of
hard service and knows how to take care of his men. Last, but not least,
Captain Van Buren of the Mounted Riflemen. This gallant gentleman is
still suffering from the wound he received at the battle of Contreras on
the 15th of August last, which obliges him to continue the use of crutches,
but we are glad to see that otherwise his health is very good and hope he
may soon recover from his painful and tedious injury. Three braver and
better soldiers than these cannot easily be found anywhere.

SWORD TO GENERAL LANE.

Indiana Sentinel, January 25, 1848.

Our people throughout the State will be highly gratified at the fact
that the legislature has voted a sword to General Joseph Lane. A braver
man does not exist and we hope the sword will be worthy of the General
and the men, for he is as generous as he is brave.

ANOTHER LETTER FOR THE BOYS.

Indiana Sentinel, January 27, 1848.

U. S. FBIGATE CUMBERLAND,
OFF VERA CRUZ, January 2, 1848.

DEAR FATHER— It is now 1848; a new year has commenced, and with
it 1 have just commenced my new life. In two and a half years I expect
to be in the United States ; but stop. I should not look ahead quite so far.

260

It is the present that iiow concerns me and not the future. We are now
lying anchored at the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, about a quarter of a
mile from the city of Vera Cruz. I have only been in the city once since I
have been here. All the freight has to be transferred from the ships into
small boats and conveyed to the city, on account of the shallow water.
The principal article is hay, which is brought from New Orleans for the
use of the army.

The Mexicans are generally nearly as black as negroes. There are a
great many Spaniards here and a great variety of faces may be seen. Our
troops are a hard-looking set of men. As I was walking along one of the
narrow streets of the city I heard my name called. I looked in one of the
barred windows of a large building used for a hospital and I saw Lenox
Knight, the son of Mr. Knight who used to stay in Turner's bookstore.
He has been in the hospital all the time he has been down here and wishes
himself at home again. So he told me. I stopped and talked a few mo
ments with him and told him I would see him again. He was very much
surprised to see me down here. I have been over part of the celebrated
castle, but I shall not attempt to describe it. A norther struck up last
evening, although not a very severe one. We sent down our lower yards
and topmasts.

I wish you would write often, and give my respects to uncle and aunt
and the whole town. Your affectionate son,

GEORGE H. CHAPMAN.

PEACE RUMOR.

New Albany Democrat, February 24, 1848.

By reference to another column it will be seen that it is rumored that
a treaty of peace concluded by General Scott and Mr. Trist has been sub
mitted to the Senate by the President. This report seems to be better
founded than most others of the kind.

FUNERAL HONORS.

Indiana Sentinel, February 5, 1848.

On Wednesday last one of Captain Cochran's deceased recruits was
buried. But an hour or two of notice was had when a respectable squad
composed of members of the discharged regiments of Indiana Volunteers
and Marion Guards promptly volunteered to perform the funeral honors.
Late Lieutenant Lew Wallace was unanimously chosen to command on the
occasion and never have we seen the same ceremony better performed or
more impressive.

261
RESOLUTIONS BY THE INDIANA LEGISLATURE.

Indiana Sentinel, February 12, 1848.

(Reported for the Indiana State Sentinel.)

SENATE, Thursday, Feb. 10, 1848.

Mr. Davis, from the committee to which that subject had been re
ferred, reported the following preamble and general resolutions in relation
to the flag of the Second Indiana Regiment:

Whereas. It has been communicated to this General Assembly that
Captain Wm. L. Sanderson, who commanded the Spencer Greys on the
ever memorable battlefield of Buena Vista with distinguished valor, has in
his possession and proffers to the State, the flag of said company, which
was presented to said company by the patriotic ladies of New Albany, and
subsequently adopted as the banner of the Second Regiment of Indiana
Volunteers.

Therefore, be it resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of In
diana, That said flag be accepted by this General Assembly and deposited
in the archives of the State, a memento of the indomitable courage and
chivalrous bearing of her sons, an offering which furnishes incontestable
proof that on that occasion they did their whole duty.

Be it further resolved, That the ceremony of presenting and accepting
said flag take place in the hall of the House of Representatives on Satur
day, the 12th inst., at half -past 2 o'clock p. in., in the presence of both
houses of the General Assembly, the Governor, judges of the Supreme
Court and officers of the State, and that the Honorable Paris C. Dunning,
president of the Senate, be appointed to receive said flag on behalf of this
General Assembly.

Bt it further resolved, That the thanks of this General Assembly are
hereby tendered to Captain Wm. L. Sanderson and his brave companions
in arms for so valuable a gift.

Be it further resolved, That we hereby tender our thanks to Lieutenant
Kunkle, who bore aloft and defended the banner of Indiana in the battle
of Beuna Vista.

Be it further resolved, That the volunteers of the State of Indiana
who responded to the call made upon them for military service have nobly
sustained the honor of the State.

Be it further resolved, That the cloud which rested for a time upon
the fame of the Second Indiana Regiment has but added to their honor by
inviting a scrutiny into its conduct which has shown it to have been brave
and dauntless in battle.

Be it further resolved, That the Governor is requested to forward to
the Spencer Greys, Captain Wm. L. Sanderson and Lieutenant Kunkle
copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions.

The report was concurred in by consent and the resolutions read three
several times and passed.

262

AN ACT MAKING ALLOWANCES TO THE ADJU
TANT-GENERAL AND QUARTERMASTER-
GENERAL, FOR THE YEAR 1847.

(Approved February 16, 1848.)

Whereas, The duties of the Adjutant-General of Indiana, in connection
with the State militia, and raising, organizing and forwarding the Fourth
and Fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, have employed nearly all the
time of that officer during the year 1847, he being the only State officer
with said regiments at Jeffersonville and Madison, and doing all duties
while there, required of State officers, acting also as financial agent to re
ceive moneys advanced to said regiments, to assist them to the said places
of rendezvous and paying the same over to the State ;

And whereas, He has not only paid from his own pocket, all his per
sonal expenses while engaged with said regiments, but also the sum of
$72.08 for the rent, fuel, lights and a portion of the stationery of the of
fice which by law he has to keep, and has received but .$100 ;

And whereas, The Quartermaster-General has received but $100 for
all his services as such for the year 1847, which have been heavy in conse
quence of the increased activity of the State militia caused by the pressure
of war; therefore,

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of In
diana, That the Quartermaster-General of the Indiana militia be allowed
for his extra services in 1847, the sum of two hundred dollars.

Sec. 2. That the sum of seventy-two dollars and eight cents be re
funded to said Adjutant-General which was by him paid out in 1847 for
rent, fuel, lights and stationery of the office which he is bound by law to
keep; and that for all his services with the district and independent mili
tia of this State in the year 1847, he be allowed in addition to the hundred
dollars already received, the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars.

Sec. 3. That it shall be the duty of the Governor to take proper
measures to procure from the general government the refunding of any
allowance made by the bill, which expense should properly be borne by
the general government.

PRESENTATION OF THE FLAGS OF THE SECOND
AND THIRD REGIMENTS.

Indiana Journal, February 18, 1848.

The ceremony of presenting and the accepting of flags of the Second
and Third Regiments of Indiana Volunteers took place before a large au
dience in the Representatives' Hall on last Saturday.

The flag of the Second Regiment was presented by Hon. John S. Davis,
who remarked :

Mr. President — I am charged by the Spencer Greys with the high duty
of presenting this worn and tattered banner through you to the State of
Indiana.

Sir, in looking upon this flag and in the performance of the duty of

263

presenting it, associations crowd upon my mind, tending much to impress
and overpower me. Under its folds and in defense of it fell some of my
best and most valued friends. Under this flag fell Robison, Goff, Stephens,
Bayley and other noble spirits. I pray, sir that I may not be overcome by
niy feelings in the performance of this solemn duty.

Every stitch upon this banner was placed there by the fair hands of
the accomplished patriotic ladies of my own town, New Albany, and was
presented to the Spencer Greys, a company of gallant young men from that
city and vicinity. In consequence of the beauty and elegance of this flag
it was adopted, just before the battle of Buena Vista, as the battle banner
of the Second Regiment of Volunteers to which the Spencer Greys belong,
and sir, during that battle this flag was regarded as the beacon star of
their hopes and the inspiring watchword of their faith, which would wave
amid the smoke and hurricane of battle on that bloody field.

Just before the Spencer Greys left New Albany, this flag was presented
by the lovely ladies of that city and accepted by the company through my
friend Lieutenant Cayce, with the pledge that it should never be dishon
ored. Nobly, most nobly, was that pledge redeemed.

May heaven bless those who gave and those who defended this glorious
banner.

Much, sir, has been said against the Second Regiment of Indiana Vol
unteers, but an examination of the list of the gallant dead has shown that
they did their whole duty.

This banner, then, sir, surrounded as it is with associations so patri
otic and holy, I now place in your hands on behalf of the Spencer Greys.
Receive it then, sir, and place it among the archives of the State, a me
mento of the daring valor of her sons and the transcendent beauty, virtue
and patriotism of her daughters.

Hon. Paris C. Dunning made the following reply :

Senator Davis — I have been deputed in behalf of the State of Indiana
to accept this beautiful flag presented through you by the patriotic and
chivalrous Spencer Greys. I highly appreciate the distinguished honor
conferred upon me in thus acting as the organ of the State.

Permit me to assure you and the gallant volunteers whom you so hon
orably represent that to the people of Indiana and especially to her repre
sentatives, the present is a most solemn and deeply interesting occasion.

This flag, as you have stated, was made and presented to Captain
Sanderson's company of Spencer Greys by the fair hands of the ladies of
New Albany, than whom, I must be permitted to remark, no community of
American ladies have shown more patriotic devotion or rendered more ef
fective encouragement to the cause of their country or have higher claims
to our admiration and gratitude. I render but a just tribute of respect to
female character when I declare that the mothers of the revolution and
the ladies of all our subsequent wars have proven themselves in the hour
of trial to be always right, always united and always upon the side of
their country, its honor and its free institutions.

This beautiful flag was received from the hands of its fair donors with
the solemn pledge that it should never be dishonored. How nobly that
pledge has been redeemed its present tattered condition will better tell
than anything I can express.

264

In consequence of its beauty and elegance this flag was adopted a few
days before the battle of Bnena Vista as the battle banner of the Second
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. In that capacity it was borne aloft upon
that memorable day by the brave and patriotic Lieutenant Kunkle in the
thickest and hottest of the fight. It was the beacon star of their hopes
and inspiring watchword of the brave but much-slandered men of the
Second Indiana Volunteers, many of whom yielded up their lives willing
sacrifices upon the altar of their common country and whose bones now
bleach upon the battlefield in a foreign land.

This flag, thus consecrated to the cause of our common country by the
blood of many of Indiana's noblest sons, has returned amongst us bleached,
war-worn and tattered, to tell its own marvelous, yet eloquent, story. It
speaks of the toilsome march in a distant land in the enemy's country;
it speaks of privation and peril ; it speaks of bloody strife, of heroic
achievements, of unparalleled bravery and of the glorious triumph of our
arms. It speaks of the mournful, yet glorious, death of Warren Robison,
of Hollis Stephens, Charles Goff and Francis Bayley, members of the com
pany of the Spencer Greys; it, speaks of the distant plains; it speaks of
the compact and advancing columns of Santa Anna's Mexican cohorts; it
speaks of the comparatively small force of General Taylor, the hero of
Palo Alto, Resaca de la Pal ma, Monterey and Buena Vista, "who never
surrenders" ; it speaks of the murderous fire to which the brave men of
the Second Indiana were exposed ; it speaks of the manly resistance of our
citizen soldiers against the attack of the Mexican legions ; it speaks of the
lamented Kinder, whose youthful form and elastic step were familiar to
many who are now in these halls ; it speaks of his manly bearing while
rushing to the thickest and hottest of the fight ; it speaks of his prostrate
form, of his cruel and inhuman death by a perfidious foe intent upon glut
ting their savage and thrice refined vengeance upon his lifeless form; it
speaks of the melancholy death of the heroic Captain Walker, the fires
of whose patriotic heart the frosts of more than sixty winters were unable
to abate. Sir, my feelings will not permit me to dwell longer upon this
part of the picture — the horrors of war are not always to be avoided —
such was the case in the present war with Mexico.

Sir, in the name of the State of Indiana I thank you, Captain Sander
son and the Spencer Greys, for this invaluable present. It will afford me
much pleasure to place it in the State library to be preserved as a relic
and memento of the great and interesting events with which it is associ
ated and which it is good to keep alive and treasure in the memory of the
present and future generations. Future generations will look upon this
battle banner and by the aid of concurrent history will regard it with the
same lively feeling of admiration for the deeds of glory in arms and the
same devotion to the country which prompted those who so nobly rallied
around and defended it upon the sanguinary field of Buena Vista.

The flag of the Third Regiment was presented by Captain Thomas L.
Sullivan, who remarked :

Mr. Speaker — I have been requested by the officers and soldiers of the
Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers to present to you, and through you
to the people of the State of Indiana, the standard of that regiment. It

265

is with pleasure I assume the task, for I know there is no present I could
make you of which you would be more proud or which would excite in
your breasts more lively feelings than the presentation of this torn and
tattered relic.

The flag was originally presented by the ladies of Madison to the com
pany which I had the honor to command, and being adopted by Colonel
Lane as the standard of the regiment, it was borne as such through the
entire campaign. Time will not permit, nor indeed would it be in place for
me to speak of the events, of the recollections and associations which en
deared that flag to all those who, weaving their fortunes with its destiny,
followed it beyond the border. Some of those events are yet to be written
upon the pages of your country's history and future generations will read
them as a page of living promise. Let these old relics, then, be preserved ;
let the mementoes be treasured up and let them be laid among the archives,
the trophies and the monuments of the State. Let this old banner, around
which Indianians gathered at the first sound of arms, around which they
fought and under which they died, find a resting place within the walls
of Indiana's capital.

Mr. Speaker, I do not wish to speak boastingly, but the history of
that standard is the history of the campaign of '46. Among the first to be
unfurled upon the sands of Brazos Island, it was among the last to leave
those inhospitable shores. Suffice it for me to say that on the heights of
Buena Vista that flag was always in the path of honor ; suffice it to say
that on that field whose thirsty soil soaked with the best blood of the na
tion, that standard was perhaps the only one that never was turned from
the enemy. It is enough to say that in that hour when 23,000 Mexicans
drilled and disciplined in the camp, the hardy veterans of twenty years of
war, an army that had fought France with glory around the walls of San
Juan de Ulloa, an army that had driven the legions of old Spain from the
soil of Mexico, an army the glancing of whose banners had been a terror
to their foe, and whose tread in the annals of the Mexican war was but
the trump of victory ; suffice it to say that when that army fought for two
tedious days against 5.000 of your citizen soldiery, the Third Regiment
from Indiana preserved its honor intact, its integrity unsullied, and when
in the changing fortunes of the fight regiment after regiment faltered in
the unequal contest, when it was no disgrace to have been defeated, that
gallant regiment still made head against the stream and others rallied be
hind its unflinching ranks.

And even in the last struggle of that disputed contest, when all was
doubt and apprehension, when a column of 2,000 lancers following the long
file of infantry, with gleaming arms and streaming banners, and with a
song of triumph on their lips like the last struggle of the guard at Water
loo, came rushing down upon them as if to wrest victory from fate itself;
when

"In even scale the battle hung" ;

when the hearts of veterans trembled for the result and the cheeks of
brave men grew pale; when a general of your army who is above sus
picion and whose name is beyond reproach, might stand behind this stand
ard and with pale lips ask, "Will they stand, will they stand?" again they

266

proved themselves equal to the emergency and when the shock came
amidst falling men and flying steeds and routed squadrons, horse and
rider, lance and banner wont down

"In one red burial blent" ;

amid the shout and din and smoke and hurried tramp, high, high over it
all floated Indiana's victorious banner, her bright stars flashing in the
sun and her gorgeous folds rustling like the wings of eagles.

That banner, Mr. Speaker, I now present to you, and it is with no' feel
ings of diffidence I part with it, for I know, I assure you, there is not one
fact connected with its history of which you may not be proud. True, the
staff is broken near the foot, but that was done by a shot from a Mexican
battery while it was advancing to the rescue of a faltering regiment ;
true, the staff is cut and splintered overhead, but that was done while the
banner was planted as a barrier between advancing Mexico and retreating
Mississippi. True, the silk is torn to ribbons, but that was done while the
regiment fought hand to hand with 2,500 men. A spot is upon it, but it is
the stain of blood, not of dishonor. Twenty-three times was it smitten in
that fight ; twenty-three honorable stars are upon it.

Go, take it, then, and place it where such a relic deserves to be
placed; go write the name of Huena Vista on its folds as France wrote
Austerlitz and England, Waterloo ; go, place it within the Pomoerium where
Sparta keeps her jewels; go, hang it where the boy can see it and
tell his battles o'er again ; go, place it where the boy can find it and let it
teach him high lessons of honor and patriotic devotion ; go, greet it with
such a greeting as Rome gave her eagles when they were brought back
from the banks of the Danube; go, welcome it with such a welcome as be
comes a republic welcoming home her standards from the banks of the
Brazo.

Mr. Speaker, I have done. The brave men who bore that flag have
accomplished all they promised and now leave it in your hands. Let me.
however, before I sit down, mention the name of William F. Stewart of
the county of Jefferson, as the man who bore it in the field, and while I
may bear testimony in his favor as a citizen, let that standard bear wit
ness to his bravery as a man.

Upon accepting the flag on the part of the Senate, Hon. W. A. Porter
replied as follows :

Captain Sullivan : Sir — It is with feelings of just pride and with a
heart overflowing with grateful emotion, that I, as the organ of the repre
sentatives of the people of Indiana, receive from you this valuable relic,
and those feelings of pride are increased from the fact that I know that 1
receive it. in the name of the people, who are noble, brave and grateful.
The sight, sir, of that flag, tattered and torn by the balls of the enemy in
one of the hardest fought battles and one of the most splendid victories re
corded in the history of modern warfare, an eloquent and correct descrip
tion of which you have just given us, cannot fail to excite in every Ameri
can bosom, and still more in every Indiana bosom, the most lively emo
tions. It is true it is also associated with melancholy recollections, recol
lections of the noble dead that fell in its defense ; but when, after doing

267

due honor to the memory of the dead we turn our minds to the splendid
victory obtained by the valorous and almost superhuman achievements of
the survivors, our hearts are elated by the proud thought that this victory
\vas won by the valor of our countrymen.

The battlefield of Buena Vista will long be remembered by the civilized
world ; it is an event which future historians will delight to describe,
which future generations will peruse with admiration and with which the
history of Indiana is identified. Its glory is part and parcel of the heri
tage of Indianians and they will claim it as an invaluable legacy.

This flag, sir, like the fair hands that made it, and the pure hearts
that gave it, is unsullied. It is a fit recipient of the purest archives of
our State. In the varied vicissitudes of that memorable battle, when al
most every flag of our country was compelled at some time or other to
make a temporary retreat, either from the force of overwhelming numbers
or from other causes over which our brave men had no control, the course
of this flag and of the gallant officers and brave men over whom it floated,
was always onward ; it was always conspicuous : its stars and stripes con
tinued through all the vicissitudes of that memorable conflict to float
proudly in the breeze. To it the gallant Indianians of the Third Regiment
could always look and say : "The flag of our regiment still floats in de
fiance of the enemy.'' Its post was the post of honor and of danger, and.
sir, as you have already informed me, in the last fearful hour of that
bloody struggle, when the contest was doubtful and the bold hearts of
brave men trembled for the result, the Third Indiana, "the steadfast
Third." followed this banner and boldly rushed against ten times
their number of well disciplined troops, flushed and stimulated with the
hopes of certain victory, and routed them with immense slaughter and se
cured the fortunes of the day.

The events of that day, if they stood alone, are a sure guarantee to
our beloved country that it will always be safe under the protection of our
citizen soldiery and we have other abundant evidences that, when the
trumpet sounds to the battle, thousands of bold hearts are ready at the
first sound to rush to the standard of their country. And. sir, the uni
versal burst of feeling throughout the country assures us the warmest feel
ings of our country's gratitude accompany them.

Sir, in the name of the State of Indiana I receive this flag and doubt
not but that it will be placed among her most treasured archives ; that it
will be deposited in some conspicuous place in the capital of our State and
when our citizens visit the capital they can look upon it with feelings of
pride and say, "under this banner our sons, our brothers or our fathers
fought in the battle of Buena Vista."

Mi\ Hull offered the following resolution :

A Joint Resolution accepting the colors of the Third Regiment of Indiana
Volunteers :

Be it resolved unanimously by the General Assembly of the State of
Indiana, That with feelings of just pride we receive the colors borne by
the Third Regiment of Volunteers from this State in the battle of Buena
Vista ; that we appreciate in the highest degree the distinguished services
rendered by that regiment upon the occasion alluded to. and while we re-

268

member it won for itself in that bloody contest the proud appellation of
the "Steadfast Third," we have no hesitation in declaring that it con
tributed as much to the success and triumph of our armies as any other
regiment there engaged. That this flag will be cherished by the people of
Indiana, for "upon its once fair and beautiful face is now depicted the
horrors of the strife it witnessed in the service of its country. Its soiled
and tattered appearance speaks for itself and is its best history;" and
that this once glittering banner, "the gift of beauty to honor, torn by the
tempest, bleached by the sun and the sleet, tattered by the bullet shot and
shell, but dishonored — NEVER" — shall be preserved as a priceless memento
of the heroic and glorious achievements of our patriotic and noble sons.

Be it further resolved, unanimously, That in behalf of the people of
the State of Indiana we hereby return our heartfelt thanks to the officers
and privates of the Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers for the ines
timable gift which they have this day presented to our State and that,
these mutilated but honored colors be now deposited in the State library,
there to be carefully preserved, that our children's children may look upon
them and say, "under this ancient banner fought our heroic fathers."

Be it further resolved, That the State librarian be and is hereby em
powered and requested to procure' a plate of silver to be attached to the
standard pole of the Third Regiment with these words engraved upon it :
"Third Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Buena Vista, 22d and 23d February,
1847."

Be it further resolved, That the thanks of the people of this State are
hereby tendered to Ensign William F. Stewart, who bravely unfurled this
banner above the heads of his gallant brothers in arms at Buena Vista
and bore it triumphantly through that sanguinary battle.

Be it further resolved. That the officers and men of the Second and
Third Regiments of this State, upon every occasion throughout the time
they were in their country's service, have been unexcelled in devotional
patriotism and heroic action, and while we especially return to them the
thanks of the people of the State, we claim for them the gratitude and ad
miration of their country.

Be it further resolved, That while we return our gratitude to the liv
ing, we will not forget the honored dead; that this General Assembly in
common with the people of Indiana, deeply mourn the loss of our brave
and patriotic sons who have fallen beneath the flag of their country upon
the field of battle or by the stroke of disease in a foreign and pestilential
climate, and that we hereby express our deepest sympathies with their
relations and friends.

Be it further resolved. That these joint resolutions be spread upon the
journals of both houses of this General Assembly.

Which resolutions were unanimously adopted.

When the Senate retired to their chamber.

269

Indiana Sentinel, February 23, 1848.

LINES

Suggested by the Presentation to the Legislature of -the Banners of the
Second and Third Regiments of the Indiana Volunteers.

BY MRS. SABAH T. BOLTON.

They had gathered, they had gathered.

At a proud and massive dome,
From many a cheerful hearthstone,

From many a quiet home;
The gay, the young, the beautiful,

The old with hoary hair,
The gallant and the talented

Had gathered, gathered there.

There were bright eyes softly beaming.

There were gems and raven curls.
And the silvery sounding voices

Of happy-hearted girls ;
There were faces sad and solemn.

There were aspects high and proud,
For the gravest and the noblest

Met and mingled in the crowd.

Had they come to see a pageant,

Of the merry olden time,
That the quaint and ancient poets

Loved to chronicle in rhyme?
Had they come to see the triumph

Of the painter's deathless art?
Had they come to hear an actor

Tell a story of the heart?

What means that sudden silence

Broken only by a sigh?
Why does the tear-drop tremble

In the light of beauty's eye?
Why does that darkling shadow

Gather over manhood's brow?
Why does the young lip quiver

And the cheek grow pallid now?

They are gazing at old banners;

Faded, soiled and tattered things.
With their stripes, all rent and trailing.

Like an eagle's broken wings:
They are gazing, long and sadly.

On each little crimson stain :
They are reading, there, the record,

Of the gallant, gallant slain.

270

They are reading of the conflict.

Where the flashing saber gleamed ;
Where the leaden bullets rattled;

Where the crimson life-tide streamed.
They are reading of young Kinder,

How he fought, and how he fell —
Oh, a mournful, mournful story.

Can those tattered banners tell.

They can tell of noble Taggart;

Of his high and holy trust,
When his dying words were uttered —

"On, on, our cause is just" —
They can tell of gallant Walker ;

Truest, bravest of the brave,
Falling with a soldier's laurels:

Sleeping in a soldier's grave.

They can tell of young hearts broken ;

They can tell of woman's tears ;
They can tell how death has wasted

All the hoarded love of years;
They can tell the sneering skeptic

That the spirit of our sires
Dwelleth still in freedom's temple

To protect our altar fires.

Where the cannon's voice was loudest ;

Where the boldest deeds were wrought
Where the good, the true, lay dying;

Where the noblest, bravest fought,
Ever foremost with the daring,

Ever in the thickest fight,
Did those hope-inspiring banners

Meet the fainting soldier's sight.

And he hailed them as the sailor

Hails the beacon from the mast.
When his gallant bark is struggling

With the fury of the blast;
He hailed them as the wanderer

Hails the beaming of a star,
That reminds him of his childhood

And his quiet home afar.

Keep them, keep them, Indiana;

Lay them on thy proudest shrine ;
For the dim, the distant future.

No holier gift is thine.

271

Thy fair, thy peerless daughters

Wrought those stars of gleaming gold

And thy noble sons fought bravely
Beneath their shadowy fold.

Wreath the cypress with the laurel :
Bind each worn and faded shred :

They are proud but sad mementos
Of thy gallant, gallant dead.

LETTEE FROM CAPTAIN HULL.

Madison Banner, March 1, 184$.

The following are extracts of a letter from Captain Horace Hull to
his brother. F. Hull, of this city :

THE CONVENT OF SANTA CLARA.
CITY OF MEXICO, January 4. 1848.

DEAR BROTHER— W^e arrived at the city on the 17th of December and
are now quartered at a large building near the Convent of Santa Clara.
We had a very fatiguing march as we pushed on from Vera Cruz to this
place, halting only four days at Jalapa and one at Puebla. Leaving these
days out, our marching time was fourteen days, sometimes at the rate of
twenty-five miles a day, frequently over a road paved with stone, which
made it very hard and laborious for men and cattle. * * *

We leave the city tomorrow and will go on to our tents at Malino del
Rey. Every one rejoices at this, as the troops are very unhealthy owing
to the confinement here. ' * * *

General Valencia and Colonel Arista were captured at the hacienda of
the former by Colonel Wyucoop and about 150 men day before yesterday.'
Lieutenant Tilton of Madison was of the party, having volunteered his
services. * * *

Sergeant Brown, sou of the Rev. Mr. Brown of Hanover, who was
wounded in the battles of this city, has received his discharge and leaves
for home today. I am sorry to say that I have lost two men out of my
company — John Barnes of Indiana, Kentucky, and Sidney Murphy of Jen
nings County. Murphy died on the 1st of January and Barnes on the
3d. We buried them with military honors. Have their deaths noticed in
the papers.

Your affectionate brother.

HORACE HFLL.

NEWS FROM THE ARMY.

New Albany Democrat, March 2, 1848.

We have before us two letters from the City of Mexico, but they have
been so long on the way that the principal intelligence contained in them
has been anticipated. We learn from the first that Captain McKinzey of

272

the Fifth Indiana and a young man by the name of Sherrod, a brother of
Dr. Sherrod of Dubois County, were taken prisoners by the guerrillas.
Captain McKinzey effected his escape by climbing a tree and waiting un
til General Buckner's train came up. Sherrod made the Mexicans believe
he was a physician, upon which, after robbing him of almost everything
he had, they let him go.

The principal item of news in the second letter, dated January 12th,
is of a rather unpleasant nature, namely, that great sickness prevails
among the soldiers of the Fifth Indiana, there being from one to three
funerals out of the regiment every day, the prevailing diseases being
measles and dysentery, which, when combined, generally prove fatal.

DESERTERS.

Indiana Sentinel, March 8, 1848.

HEADQUARTERS CITY TROOPS,
PUEBLA, MEXICO, January 11, 1848.

DEAR SIR — Enclosed I have the honor to transmit, under the instruc
tion of Colonel Gorman, a return of the non-commissioned officers, musi
cians and privates who have deserted from the Fourth Indiana Regiment
since its organization.

It is thought more in conformity with the spirit of Army Regulations
to send their names to you for publication in the State papers than to the
recruiting office in New York.

Colonel Gorman regrets the necessity for the performance of this duty
and, unwilling to do injustice to any who may have considered themselves
authorized in leaving the regiment, or who may have been prevented from
rejoining by circumstances beyond their control, has instructed me to state
the following facts :

Sergeant Warren Oldham of Company A, who has been in bad health,
was in possession of a "surgeon's certificate" calling for a discharge, but
had not been discharged by the Colonel nor the commanding General.
William Wallace of the same company, though refused permission to leave,
had the countenance of the Captain of his company. George Griffith of
Company C, who left the regiment at Camp Clark on furlough, was pre
vented from returning by the commands of his guardian.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. DODD,
Adjutant Fourth Indiana Regiment, A. A. A. General.

DAVID REYNOLDS,
Adjutant-General of Indiana.

273

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274
KILLED IN A FIGHT.

New Albany Democrat. March 9, 1848.

We copy the following telegraphic intelligence from the Louisville
Journal of yesterday : The arrival of the New Orleans mail brings dates
regularly due which contain advices from Vera Cruz to the 21st ult., from
which I glean the following:

Four privates of the Indiana regiment have been attacked near Molino
del Rey by a party of Mexicans, in which affray David Lyons, Jim Hig
gles and Burger were killed and David Hower badly wounded. The Burger
named as killed at Molino del Rey is, we understand, a relative of Mr.
James Burger of this county.

THE TREATY RATIFIED.

Washington Union, March 10, 1848.

The Senate adjourned tonight a few minutes past nine o'clock after a
session in closed doors for nine hours. The labors of the Senate have been
very severe for several days, and we congratulate the country on the re
sult of their deliberations. A treaty has been ratified, it is understood, by
a vote of thirty-eight to fifteen, three Senators being absent.

REVIEW OF GENERAL LANE'S BRIGADE AT
MOLINO DEL REY.

New Albany Democrat, March 16, 1848.

We take the following from the New Orleans Delta as quoted from a
late number of the Mexican Star, published in the City of Mexico :

"A short while after the parade was dismissed the brigade of General
Lane, composed of Colonel Cheatham's Third Tennessee, the Fourth from
the same State, under Colonel Waterhouse, and the Fifth Indiana, under
Colonel James H. Lane, passed in review before General Butler and ar-
quitted themselves like old soldiers. Tennessee and Indiana have com
peted with each other during this whole war and today each State has
sent a like number of regiments to the field. In every action they have
been engaged in they have proved themselves worthy sons of the States
that sent them out. At Buena Vista the Indianians did their duty nobly
and will do so again when chance shall serve. Hurrah for Tennessee mid
Indiana !"

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL JOSEPH LANE.

New Orleans Delta, March 28, 1848.

This distinguished officer came over in the Edith. We need not con
suit the brilliant and successful services which he has rendered his coun
try in this short and stirring campaign : they are as fresh in our recollec-

275

tion as is his daring and noble bearing at Bueua Vista. General Lane is
an officer of extraordinary energy, activity and vigilance; in the service
he is ever in the stirrup. On his march up from Vera Cruz, when continu
ally harassed by guerrillas, he scarcely ever slept and was certainly never
caught napping. He arranged an admirable plan for the capture of Santa
Ana, which was defeated by the respect paid to a forged passport of Gen
eral Scott. In several skirmishes with the Mexicans General Lane showed
that his courage and tact were equal to his energy and activity.

yew Albany Democrat, March SO, 1848.

We learn from the New Orleans Delta and from a private source that
General Lane will shortly return to his residence in this State. His pri
vate affairs demand for a short time his personal attention.

LETTER FROM COLONEL GORMAN, FOURTH
INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel, April 1. 1848.

PUEBLA. MEXICO, January 25, 1848.

EDITOR SENTINEL — 1 have thought I would snatch time enough to write
to you before this, but the present is getting so full of interest that I can
not forego giving you a few items of the signs of the times hero and con
nected with this war. On Saturday last, the 21st inst, General Lane left
this place on a mission to Orizaba, Tehuacan, Cordova and other towns
and villages in that vicinity, principally for the purpose of chastising the
guerrillas who surprised the rear of Colonel Miles' train and captured i
large amount of property (say four hundred thousand dollars' worth) be
longing to merchants (neutrals) not bearing arms in any manner in this
war.

General Scott has ordered that General Lane force restitution of the
goods or compel the state to make good the loss. Our gallant colonel has
with him the best of all the guerrilla fighters in Mexico, Colonel Jack
Hays of the Texas Rangers, with 200 of his men. and Major Polk of the
Third Dragoons, with 200 men, making 400 in all. quite enough to answer
the purpose of any expected opposition.

Rumors are afloat today that General Lane has captured Santa Ana.
who is known to be at Tchuacan with not more than 200 men This I do
not credit much, as the news could hardly have traveled so fast. But do
not be surprised if it should be confirmed, for "Old Rough and Ready
No. 2M will have him at any hazard if he comes in reach of him.

It is pretty generally believed that General Bustamente has about
eighteen thousand men well armed at Guanahuata, a strong place in the
northwest, and intends to give us another fight if our troops venture up
that far. This old one-eyed general has issued a proclamation of his
forces and intentions, but it is regarded as doubtful whether he has any
such force in existence.

It is the decided opinion of Generals Scott, Butler and Lane that
peace is near at hand and will be concluded without the necessity of any

276

further movements into the interior. At all events, no movement will be
made from the city until the result of the action of the present Mexican
Congress is known. They are understood to be, by a very decided ma
jority, favorable to peace, and if our government would now accept the
terms heretofore proposed by Trist as our ultimatum, the Mexican Con
gress would close a treaty upon that basis instantly. * * * My regi
ment is stationed at this beautiful city, are in fine health and spirits and
quite desirous of remaining here unless there is a forward movement upon
San Luis. Colonel Childs is still civil and military governor of this de
partment. I am assigned to the command of all the troops in the city,
to wit : Ohio and Indiana regiments, five companies Fifth Ohio, four
companies Fourth Artillery, two companies Florida Volunteers, one com
pany Louisiana Mounted Volunteers.

Ma.ior McCoy is now on a visit to the City of Mexico. Lieutenant-
Colonel Dumont is with General Lane at Orizaba and Captain Jesse Alex
ander is in command of my regiment. Your friend,

WILLIS A. GORMAN.

LETTER FEOM GENERAL TAYLOR RELATIVE TO
THE SECOND INDIANA REGIMENT.

New Albany Democrat, April 6, 1848.

The Indiana State Journal publishes the following letter from Gen
eral Taylor:

BATON ROUGE, LA., March 3, 1848.
John D. Defrees, Editor of State Journal, Indianapolis, Indiana :

SIR — I have the pleasure of receiving your letter of February 17, en
closing copy of the resolutions adopted by the Senate of Indiana relative
to the service of the officers and soldiers who were under my command in
Mexico, and also to myself.

It is deeply gratifying to me to receive the marks of approval and
grateful expressions embodied in these resolutions, but it is infinitely more
gratifying and acceptable that they are testimonials from a State to which
I have, by early association, as well as by a friendly and warm regard
for her citizens, always been warmly attached. The remembrance of my
earliest service upon the borders of Indiana and my intimate acquaintance
with her early history, awaken in me the pleasantest feelings. It would
have , afforded me very great pleasure to accept the invitation to visit the
State, as expressed in the resolutions, but I am induced to await, in the
neighborhood of this place, where I have located my family, such orders
as the War Department may, at any moment, communicate to me for fur
ther service in the field.

In relation to the impression which seems to be current that my offi
cial report of the battle of Buena Vista has done marked injustice to the
Second Regiment of Indiana troops, I have only to say that nothing has
been developed subsequently to the date of the report to cause me to
change it. It was founded upon my own personal observation on the field
and upon the official statements of my subordinates, and I would say that

' 277

all might have been well had not many of the officers agitated the sub
ject in a manner greatly to injure the regiment and invoke the credit of
the State, which I very much regret.

In all armies the best and most experienced troops have been at times
subject to panics under a murderous fire of the enemy, which are inex
plicable. Such, it is most probable, may have been the case at the time
in question. I am proud and free to state, however, that my confidence
in that regiment was not lost, but it was my intention to have placed it
in action had the enemy resumed his attack on the day following, and I
have always felt assured and confident that had the battle been renewed
the Second Indiana would have acquitted itself with gallantry and in
trepidity on all future occasions before the enemy.

Please convey to the members of the Legislature of the State my high
sense of the compliment they have so flatteringly conferred upon the offi
cers and men who composed my command in Mexico, and for their hon
orable notice of myself.

With sentiments of high respect, I am, dear, sir,

Your most obedient servant,

Z. TAYLOR.

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL LANE.

New Albany Democrat, April 6, 184S.

This gallant, and energetic officer, says the New Orleans Delta, to
whose great merit we were among the first to direct public attention, has
reaped many laurels during his short service in the valley of Mexico.
General Scott, we understand, thinks Lane the finest partisan officer and
one of the most active and promising officers in the army. We regret
deeply that private interests should withdraw General Lane from the serv
ice at the present moment.

New Albany Democrat, April 6, 1848.

General Lane, we presume, has arrived at his residence in Evansville.
having left New Orleans on the "Concordia."

FROM A LETTER TO GENERAL REYNOLDS BY AN

OFFICER.

Indiana Sentinel, April 8, 1848.

CITY or MEXICO, March 2, 1848.

The troops of the Fifth Indiana are now in quite good health after
having suffered severely from measles and erysipelas. There are but fif
teen or sixteen on the sick list, which has numbered as high as 130.
Colonel Lane has been very attentive to the improvement of his men in
the details of military duty. They now rank very high as to their ability
to perform the most intricate evolutions and drill service. No regiment

278

of volunteers in this valley can equal or excel them. Lieutenant D. C.
Rich of Captain Hull's company from Madison died a few days ago from
erysipelas. He was the regimental quartermaster and his loss is severely
felt and deeply regretted. He was formerly a member of the Legislature
from Jennings County. You have probably ere this read of the deaths of
Captain Carey and of Captain Marshall, who was elected to fill the va
cancy of Captain Carey. * * *

The Fourth Regiment, under Colonel Gorman, is still at Puebla in
good health and is in a remarkable condition of good discipline, as good
as any regular regiment in the army. The rifle regiment, many of whom
are Indianians, is here and is the crack regiment of the service. They
are in good health and are the best looking boys I have seen in the city.
Captain Simonson of the Rifles has been quite sick, but is now convales
cent. He leaves for home on leave with the train tomorrow. General
Lane arrived here yesterday from a fight at Cequaltipan, where he sur
prised Padre Jarauta and killed 150 of his men on the 25th of February.

DEATH OP JOSEPH CHAPMAN.

Indiana Sentinel, April 8, 1848.

We learn from a gentleman just from Mexico that Joseph Chapman
of the Hancock volunteer company died at the Falling Bridge in Mexico.
He was on his way home.

LETTER FROM ALEXANDER McCLELLAND.

Indiana Sentinel, April 8, 1848.

PUEBLA, MEXICO, February 20, 1848.

EDITORS SENTINEL — This is certainly a delightful climate. The months
of December and January have passed off pleasantly. The change in the
temperature during these two months has been just sufficient, and no
more, to mark the change of the season. * * *

This city is still garrisoned by a force of about 3,000 men : the Fourth
Indiana and the Fourth Ohio, together with a detachment of artillery and
cavalry, form this force. Colonel Gorman, since the departure of Colonel
Lane for the City of Mexico, has command of the brigade and controls the
military force of the city, while Colonel Childs exercises civil and mili
tary jurisdiction over the department at Puebla. The good order and se
curity both to person and property that now prevails is the best comment
that can be made upon the vigilance and skill of these officers and the
discipline and subordination of the men.

Court-martials are occasionally held, in which all grievances are re
dressed and crime punished. Every one gets justice speedily without de
lay, fully without stint and freely without price, but as the Irishman
told the lawyer, justice is the very thing some of them do not want. Com
plaints will be made against the best regulated governments, not except
ing pure democracy itself.

279

The health of the troops is improving. Two mouths ago there were
700 men in the hospital, now there are 500. The government provides
amply for the soldiers, supplying them through its commissaries with the
best the country affords, the following being the principal items in the
bill of fare: Fresh and salt beef, pork and mutton, flour, rice, corn meal
and beans, sugar, coffee, candles, soap, salt and vinegar. All these ar
ticles being the growth or manufacture of the city or surrounding coun
try, the arrival of so many troops has created a demand for and increased
the price of many articles. So far the war has been a benefit to the Mex
icans. The government also provided ample quarters for the soldiers.
most of them being lodged in churches of splendid architecture and exces
sive dimensions, where they can hold silent converse with the prophets,
apostles, saints and martyrs of former ages. * * *

The most of the volunteer regiments now in Mexico are in strong
hopes of leaving for home in the spring. They consider the war at an
end.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER TO GOVERNOR
WHITCOMB.

Indiana Sentinel. April 8. 1848.

FUEBLA. MEXICO. February 20, 1848.

The treaty of peace was concluded and signed at Guadaloupe. a vil
lage near the City of Mexico, on the 2d inst. on the part of Mr. Trist and
the Mexican authorities. It only remains for the Mexican Congress and
American Senate to confirm it, and this war is at an end. and this will
be done. I have very little doubt, but even then we shall not get home until
some time in July. * * *

Indiana and you. as her chief head, may well be proud of the Fourth
Indiana Regiment, for the men have won undying honors by their gal
lantry and good discipline.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN LANDERS. FOURTH

INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel April 12, 1848.

PUEBLA. MEXICO, February 7. 1848.

EDITORS SEXTIXEL — I notice in one of your papers the publication of a
letter that I addressed to you some time since from this place. My at
tention being called to it by a friend, I could not help discovering
several slight mistakes that had occurred in its publication, owing, no
doubt, to the indistinct and hurried manner in which it was written. I
intended to have noticed the three lieutenants of the Marion County com
pany, but I find that, as the letter is published, there seems to be but two
of them spoken of, Lieutenants Pillbean and Combs, gentlemen who de
serve notice for their uniform attention to their duty and for their gal
lantry in the field, but not more so than Mr. Lewis, a citizen of your

280

county and a volunteer of the last year who, as first lieutenant of the
company which it is my good fortune to command, has always been ready
and efHcieut in his assistance. At Huamautla, though unwell at the time,
he commanded the company in person and led them into action. At
Puebla, Atlixco and Tlascala he distinguished himself in the position he
then occupied. Feeling under obligations to him for his prompt dis
charge of his duty on all occasions I seize this first opportunity to repair
my seeming, though not actual, neglect of his claims by me.

As it may be news to you and undoubtedly it will be to the friends of
those who have not written home lately, I subjoin a list of those who have
died or been discharged since our leaving Jeffersonville :

Samuel Liggins, died at New Orleans hospital July 22, 1847.

George T. Edwards, died at New Orleans hospital July 28, 1847.

Thomas Admire, died at Camargo on the Rio Grande, July 31, 1847.

George Calhoun, died at Puebla October 16, 1847.

Reuben Allen, died at Puebla November 20, 1847.

Charles Coulter, shot at Tlascala November 10, 1847.

John Sawder, shot at Atlixco.

Obadiah S. Winters, died at Puebla December 5, 1847.

John C. W. McLuer, died at Puebla December 30, 1847.

Charles Bell, died at Puebla December 31, 1847.

George Erice, died at Vera Cruz January 17, 1847.

George Baker, died at Mier hospital August 26, 1847.

These, including Thomas McCoy, who died at Jeffersonville, will make
thirteen deaths in eight months out of 81 persons. Most of those in this
list have died from the diseases of this country, far from their friends
and from that country to avenge whose wrongs they were willing to risk
their lives, and they have fallen, not as they could have wished, on the
field of battle, but passing away on a slow and torturing bed of sickness.

Those who have been discharged for sickness incurred in the service
in Mexico are:

Jesse Burton, mouth of the Rio Grande, September 10, 1847,

Andrew Wells, Puebla, November 3, 1847,

Enoch Stevens, Puebla, November 3, 1847,

James Higdon, Puebla, December 12, 1847,

John H. Lamphier, Vera Cruz, December 26, 1847,

Benjamin Bell, Vera Cruz, January 3, 1848,

Preston Lawson, Vera Cruz, January 3, 1848,

who must by this time have reached home, if they were able to reach it,
some of them being very feeble when they left here.

The health of the regiment generally is good. The only complaints
under which the few who are sick are suffering appear to be colds, more
or less severe, and those most probably caused by exposure on guard at
night. The climate has been very fine for the last three months, with
scarcely a sign of rain, nearly resembling what we call Indian sum
mer. * * *

You will be sorry to learn that the gold medal which the officers of
his brigade intended to present to the General, was taken from the body

281

of Captain Kessler after his death, by a party of guerrillas. The captain
and five others, on their way to the city, were attacked by this party
numbering some fifty men, and he and two others were killed, Lieutenant-
Colonel Moore, Lieutenant Roessler and one soldier making good their es
cape to San Martin, near which place they had been attacked. Captain
Kessler was a brave and intelligent officer, highly esteemed by all who
knew him and one whose loss is deeply felt here.

New Albany Democrat, April 13, 1848.

The citizens of Evansville have tendered General Lane a public dinner
at such time as may suit his convenience. Of all the gallant soldiers our
country has sent to the battlefield none is more worthy of this testimonial
of regard from his fellow citizens than is General Lane.

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT RICH.

New Albany Democrat. April 13, 1848.

Lieutenant D. C. Rich of Jennings County, died on the first of Febru
ary at Molino del Rey. He was first taken with fever and afterward with
erysipelas, which caused his death.

LETTER FROM A SERGEANT OF THE SECOND

INDIANA.

New Albany Democrat. April 13, 1848.

HARDINSBURG, INDIANA, April 6, 1848.

MR. EDITOR — After my respects to you I would ask of you a small
space for telling a few simple and plain truths relative to the letter that
I find in your paper today from General Taylor to the editor of the Jour
nal at Indianapolis, relative to the conduct of the Second Indiana Regi
ment at the battle of Buena Vista.

General Taylor states that his report was founded on his own per
sonal observation and on the reports of his subordinate officers, who, I take
the liberty to say, would fain reap the glory so hardly and nobly won by
the Indiana troops, whose naked breasts were a shield, and even a bat
tery for those who would now trample us under their feet, and meanly,
sueakingly and underminingly take thus the laurels so nobly won by those
who are now compelled to suffer from their calumny. I for one can say
that the Second Regiment fought for twenty-two minutes in one of the
hottest and most unequal contests that was fought that day before General
Taylor came upon the field of battle. I do not condemn General Taylor
for not being there; his business may have called him to town, but I do
disdain the name of Taylor and will as long as I live, unless he does jus-

282

tice to the Indiana troops who stood and fought until their guns became
so hot that they would go off while the men were loading them.

General Taylor says that if the enemy had continued the contest on
the following day, he would have placed the Second Regiment in action
and that he did not doubt the men would have acquitted themselves with
gallantry. Now, I would like to know where is the man who could desire
a fairer trial for men than to see but a little more than four hundred
inarch out three-quarters of a mile from any assistance and meet and fight
four thousand and more of the enemy's choicest troops in the open field
for twenty-two minutes, which is a longer time than we have ever had
any account of troops standing before one party gave way, and I would
cite General Taylor to the sworn statement of Colonel Lane of the Third
Indiana before the court of inquiry, concerning the conduct of Colonel
Bowles. He stated that at the time the Mexicans made a heavy charge
on him in the afternoon, there were three hundred or more of the Second
Regiment in conjunction with his at that time. Add ninety-six men killed
and wounded to that number and there were very few but what were not
fighting all day. As I said before, I shall continue to denounce as a base
calumniator the man who would, for the sake of self-aggrandizement,
trample under foot the rights so nobly won by others.

This I give you as one who was in that battle from the beginning to
the end, and one who was seriously injured by the enemy's horsemen, and
who still, at times, suffers from the wound received from them. I give it
as one who is willing to testify to the truth of what he says. Use this as
you think proper and I would feel thankful if the old fellow would get the
contents of this letter into his possession from the Fourth Sergeant in
Captain Nathan Kimball's company.

Yours respectfully,

ELHANAN W. BLALOCK.

GENERAL LANE AT EVANSVILLE.

Indiana Sentinel, April 26, 1848.

The gallant General Lane was received with great enthusiasm at
Evansville on Saturday last. In the course of some remarks made in re
sponse to his welcome, he alluded (according to the Evansville Commer
cial) to the retreat of the Second Indiana at the battle of Buena Vista and
said that he was convinced that no nobler or braver regiment of soldiers
was engaged in that great battle than the Second Regiment, and he fur
ther remarked that the enemy was completely whipped when the cowardly
Colonel Bowles, commanding that regiment, ordered a retreat. In connec
tion with this subject he mentioned the fact that through this ill-fated
hour the lives of the gallant Clay, McKee and Hardin were sacrificed, and
he hoped God would forgive him for mentioning the name of this coward
in connection with those noble spirits of Kentucky and Illinois.

283

Evansiille Journal, May 2, 1848.

Brigadier-General Lane left this city on Saturday on the steamer
"Andrew Jackson" to resume command of his brigade in Mexico. There
will be some scampering among the guerrillas when they learn that
"Marion" is in the saddle again.

HOW JOE LANE CAME TO BE APPOINTED.

Indiana Sentinel, May 17, 1848.

If I were to select a fine specimen of a backwoodsman (says Cist's
Advertiser), it should be Joseph Lane. I would take a foreigner (if in my
power) fifty miles to visit Lane as an admirable illustration of the work
ings of our political and social institutions. I know nothing of his early
history, but presume it is that of thousands in the west. I knew him only
as a farmer and a wood merchant on the banks of the Ohio, in which
character I first made his acquaintance. He came on board the steam
boat Andrew Jackson to receive pay for a lot of wood sold the boat and
was introduced to me by Captain Eckert. He wore a blanket coat and his
general appearance was that of a backwoodsman, but I had not conversed
with him more than five minutes before I set him down as a man of no
ordinary cast.

Later and more intimate acquaintance confirmed my judgment and in
his late military career in Mexico he has shone conspicuous for gallantry
and good conduct, even iu the galaxy of heroes which the war with
Mexico has brought to public notice. It may not be amiss to state how
he received his military appointment, taken as he was from the farm to
lead armies to victory.

When it became the duty of the President to make the appointment of
Brigadier-General, it was felt by every western member of Congress to be
a prize for his constituents. Probably some fifty names had been handed
in to the President accordingly. Robert Dale Owen, in whose district
Lane resides, entertaining no such local pride, would probably not have
furnished any name but for a suggestion to that effect from one of the In
diana senators: "Who do you intend recommending?" "Why," said
Owen, "I had not thought of offering a name. There are no applications
to me from my own district, but if you think it due to it to offer a name
1 shall hand in that of Joe Lane."

The senator approved of the choice, and it was accordingly sug
gested. The President, as usual, said he would give it his favorable con
sideration. A few days afterward Mr. Owen was transacting some private
business at the White House. After it was finished, "By the by, Mr.
Owen," observed the President, "I shall have to appoint your friend Lane
to the brigadier-generalship and I hope you have well considered your
recommendation, for the office is a very responsible one." "I know noth
ing," replied Mr. Owen, "of Lane's military talent, but there are about
him those elements of character which, in all times of difficulty, cause
every one to rally instinctively around him as leader. This has been the
case in early days when lawless men infested the river border. Whether

284;

cm shore or among boatmen 011 the river, Laiie was the man relied on to
keep such men in order and he was always found equal to every emer
gency. I would select him for the office before any other man I know if
I had the appointment to make."

Lane was appointed. The sequel is history and justified the penetra
tive judgment of Mr. Owen. Lane has developed qualities which place
him in the front rank of military service.

When the news of the battle of Buena Vista reached Washington Mr.
Owen called on President Folk. "Well, sir," exclaimed he, "what do you
think of our Hoosier General?" "Ah," said the President, with a quiet
smile, "Mr. Owen, you are safe out of that scrape."

TRANSFERRED.

Indiana Sentinel, May 20, 1848.

George H. Chapman, midshipman U. S. N., son of one of the editors of
this paper, has been transferred from the frigate Cumberland to the
schooner Flirt. We mention this that those who wish to send to him may
be enabled to do so correctly.

JUSTICE TO CAPTAIN FORD.

Indiana Sentinel, May 20, 1848.

The following letter from General Lane pays a meritorious tribute to
the gallant conduct of Captain Ford in the fight at Pnebla. We take
pleasure in giving it through our columns :

CITY OF MEXICO, Jan. 13, 1848.
Captain Ford, Third Dragoons :

DEAR SIB — In looking over the report of my entrance into the City of
Puebla on the 12tb day of October, I find that your name and good con
duct have been omitted, which was, I assure you, unintentional. You
came out with your company under a heavy fire from the enemy in fine
order and met me two miles from the city. You made known to me that
the enemy were in strong force and would attack my column near the
bridge, which is near the edge of the city, and that in a street fight cav
alry could render but little service. I found it just as you told me. You
were with me during the fight and rendered me good service.

I write this note, as I have no other way to make amends for the
omission.

With great respect. 1 am, dear sir, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH LANE,
Brigadier-General.

285
LETTER FROM TALFOURD.

New Albany Democrat, June 1, 1848.

PUEBLA, May 3, 1848.
Editor Democrat :

DEAR SIB— * * * Colonel Willis A. Gorman of the Fourth Indi
ana is now civil and military governor of Puebla, and a good one, too, he
is. He stands A No. 1 as a colonel and as a governor gives satisfaction to
all. His regiment was pronounced by General Scott not long since, to be
the cleanest, neatest and best drilled volunteers in the service. The news
from Querataro is so conflicting that we can furnish you nothing tangible.
Major Mooney of Indiana is quartermaster at this post.

PROMOTIONS IN THE FOURTH REGIMENT.

Indiana Sentinel June 7, 1848.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT,

PUEBLA, MEXICO, May 8, 1848.
David Reynolds, Adjutant-General :

DEAR SIR — The following are the commissioned officers elected and pro
moted in the Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers since the first of Janu
ary last, which I have the honor to lay before you by the command of
Colonel W. A. Gorman.

The commissions were issued in conformity with the instructions of
the Governor of Indiana upon the proper certificates of election :

286

, sg s

rn 00 1C «O »O CO >O O i-i

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cQ
II.

287
THE TREATY RATIFIED.

Indiana Sentinel June 10, 1S48.

Telegraphic dispatches announce the ratification of the treaty of peace
by the Mexican government, and it is further stated that orders have been
issued from the headquarters of our army to call in all the American out
posts and march immediately to the coast for embarkation under the
charge of General Persifer F. Smith.

CAPTAIN JOHN S. SIMONSON.

Indiana Sentinel, June 21, 1848.

Captain John S. Sirnonson, who was with General Scott in the whole
of his victorious march from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, and who
greatly distinguished himself in several important battles, will be present
at the great Democratic rally on Saturday next. Let Indiana honor her
own sons who have so gloriously distinguished themselves and shed their
blood for their country. We are told that Governor Whitcomb will also
address the meeting.

LETTER FROM COLONEL GORMAN.

Indiana Sentinel, June 21, 1848.

June 10, 1848.
Messrs. Chapman :

GENTLEMEN — I herewith transmit you a letter from one of Indiana's
most valiant and noble sons, written on the memorable 22d of February,
the day that told so well for Indiana, and I wish through you to present it
to his companions in arms who shared with him in the toils and priva
tions of the campaign of 184G-47.

I am, with much esteem, yours,

ROBERT GRAHAM.

PUEBLA. MEXICO, Feb. 22, 1848.
Mr. Robert Graham :

DEAE FRIEND — I am devoting this day to writing exclusively to my
old companions in arms at Bueiia Vista. It is now 12 o'clock. At this hour
twelve months ago you were by my side moving to attack the enemies of
our country, meeting danger at every step. The recollections are vivid
before my eyes and no doubt the same feelings are actuating you. This is
a cheerful day. I have had calls from several of the paroled officers of
the Mexican army who stood before the keen crack of your unerring rifles.
They tell me that our rifles were the messengers of death at every shot.
They speak of the gallant daring of our riflemen in the most enthusiastic
terms.

I am now acting civil and military governor of this city and am in
command of about 2,500 men composing the garrison. For four months I
have been in command of General Lane's old brigade, to wit : The Fourth

288

Indiana and Fourth Ohio Regiments, Fourth Artillery regular battalion,
five companies of the Fifth Ohio, two companies of the Second Artillery
and two companies of Florida Volunteers.

The only joy I wish when I return is to meet my gallant companions
on this memorable day one year past. The Fourth Indiana has seen much
service since they came upon this line. They have fought the enemy in
four contested fights and nobly and gallantly have they done their duty.

The battle of Huamantla was about such a fight as Palo Alto, and
Atlixco about such as Resaca de la Palma. The raising of the siege at
Puebla was a street fight, very dangerous, but I cannot compare it to -any
fight that you know the details of, as it was running and charging the
lancers and infantry in every direction. The two battles of Tlascala
were handsome affairs. The battle of Matamoros in this State was better
contested and more fatal, as General Lane's adjutant-general was killed,
and other gallant fellows. In all of this fight the Fourth Indiana had a
large share. It affords me great satisfaction to know how gloriously they
have sustained the honor and chivalry of Indiana.

The happy recollections of this day and the gallantry of the rifle bat
talion on the mountain heights of Buena Vista will always be highest in
my admiration through life. They commenced the fight; they ended it.
They fought four hours longer than any American troops engaged; they
fought against ten times their number; they fought without meat, bread
or water; they lay upon cold rocks without covering; they withstood the
cold blasts of winter and the ten thousand shafts of death poured upon
their devoted heads without a murmur, and the officers and men, I pray
God, may live to reap that just reward from their country which I know
they so richly merit.

Hoping that peace will soon restore us all to the bosom of our homes,
our families and our friends, I must close.

I am, with the highest esteem, your friend,

WILLIS A. GORMAN.

P. S. — Give my special regards to all your company, particularly to
those whom I know personally. Tell them that all the shafts of envy can
never take from their brows the well-earned laurels in the hour of trial
and death. — Gorman.

P. S. — The treaty of peace which Mr. Trist and the Mexican author
ities have made, signed and transmitted to our government needs nothing
but the confirmation of the Congress of the United States and Mexico and
I have no doubt this will be done promptly. I therefore think I shall see
you all by July if a kind Providence spares niy life that long. Again let
me assure you I am your friend. — Willis A. Gorman.

RETURNING TROOPS.

Louisville Courier, July 11, 1848.

The following steamers passed up the river yesterday morning with
Troops on their way home to be discharged : The Belle of the West, with
five companies of Massachusetts Volunteers under command of Colonel

289

Wright; the Sarah Bladen, with several companies of the Fourth Ohio:
the Chalmette, with three companies of the First Pennsylvania, under
command of Major Cowman; The Bulletin arrived at Portland yesterday
afternoon with six companies of the Fourth Indiana under command of
Colonel Gorman. They marched up to and through the city and started
about 5 o'clock for Madison on the steamer Swiftsure. They generally ap
peared to be in .very good health. Two men died on the upward trip, one
of whom was buried at Flint Island.

Indiana Sentinel, July 15, 1848.

Some four companies of Indiana Volunteers, Fourth Itegiment, have
arrived and encamped at Madison. We understand the balance of the regi
ment are daily expected, as also all or a part of the Fifth. They are to
be mustered out of service at that point in five or six days. Those from
the camp with whom we have conversed state that the brave fellows look
remarkably well generally. It is probable we may expect them about the
20th or 22d.

NOBLY DONE.

Indiana Sentinel, July 19, 1848.

Twelve wagons under the conduct of noble farmers of Vigo county,
mostly from Riley township, arrived in this city Sunday evening for the
purpose of conveying home such of the volunteers as belong to that county
who are expected daily by the railroad. More than two weeks ago these
whole-hearted and patriotic men had made arrangements to give the boys
from Mexico a free barbecue in Riley township, where many of them live.
A public dinner is also to be given them at Cloverlaud and at Dunham's
Settlement in Clay county. Hurrah for Vigo. Nine cheers for the full
and free hearts of Riley township.

RECEPTION OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

Indiana Sentinel, July 19, 1848.

Pursuant to published notice a large and respectable number of the
citizens of Indianapolis and vicinity assembled at the eastern market house
on Monday night, the 17th of July.

On motion General J. P. Drake was called to the chair and Isaac
Smith appointed secretary.

General Drake briefly stated the object of the meeting.

On motion a committee of ten was appointed to make all the necessary
arrangements for a welcome reception to the gallant volunteers, consist
ing of J. Vandergrift. S. P. Daniels, General J. P. Drake, G. A. Chapman,
John Patterson, Lieutenant Lewis Wallace, Lieutenant C. C. Smith, W.
J. Peaslee, John H. Anderson and General Reynolds.

On motion of Mr. Vandergrift, it was resolved that the committee meet
at Coats' Hotel on Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock.

19-IR750

290
VOLUNTEERS HOMEWARD BOUND.

New Albany Democrat, July 20, 1848.

Within the past week nearly all the volunteers from Indiana, Ohio,
Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Massachusetts and perhaps other
states, have passed up the river on their way home. The Fourth and
Fifth Indiana Regiments are now at Madison, where it is probable they
\vill be paid off and mustered out of service in a few days.

LANDERS' COMPANY AT HOME.

Indiana Sentinel, July 22, 1848.

Captain Landers' company, raised in this city, returned in the cars
on last Wednesday. They were greeted by the cheers of a large number
of our citizens and were addressed by General Drake. A public dinner was
provided for them.

Indiana Sentinel, July 26, 1848.

Company H of the Fourth Regiment arrived in this city on Friday by
the railroad cars, Hook dinner in a body at Little's Tavern, at which we
had the honor of being present as invited guests, and left in the afternoon
in thirteen wagons sent on by their friends and neighbors from Vigo
county, where they chiefly reside. The greeting, as their relatives and
friends met them at the depot, was very affecting.

HONOR TO THE VOLUNTEERS AND SOLDIERS OF

INDIANA.

Indiana Sentinel, July 26, 1848.

At a large and enthusiastic meeting of the Democrats of Indianapolis
held at the court house on Monday evening, the 24th of July, 1848, James
Blake, Esq., was called to the chair, and N. Bolton elected secretary.

The object of the meeting being stated, S. W. Norris offered the fol
lowing preamble and resolutions, which were adopted, to wit:

Whereas, The soldiers from Indiana in the Mexican war, now that
peace is concluded, have returned to their State again to mingle with their
fellow citizens in the peaceful pursuits ot private life, and,

Whereas, There is a great desire manifested to give them a hearty
democratic welcome at the capital of Indiana, it is the opinion of this
meeting that Brevet Major-General Joseph Lane be invited to visit Indian
apolis at his early convenience and that, as soon as he fixes upon a time,
a general invitation be given to all the officers and soldiers in Indiana who
have participated in the Mexican war, also to attend with him, that a
public manifestation of gratitude may be given for their distinguished
services. * * *

Captain Landers, who has just returned from Mexico, being present,
was enthusiastically called upon and responded in an address, which, in
point of eloquence, has been rarely equaled in Indianapolis.

291
"JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME."

Indiana Sentinel, August 2, 1848.

The Centre Guards, Captain McDougall ; the Covingtou Guards, Cap
tain Evans, and the Washington Guards, Captain Shunk, of the Fifth In
diana Volunteers, returned to this city on Monday last. Ample arrange
ments were made to give a hearty welcome. to these brave men, who have-
so faithfully served the State, to the hospitalities of the capital. A diunor
was prepared at the hotel of Mr. Coats, to which all were invited. A mili
tary escort under command of Captain G. A. Chapman, met the cars at the
depot and General Reynolds met the train about four miles from the city
and informed the officers and men of the arrangements, yet such was the
excitement and anxiety of the boys to see their friends who were waiting
to receive them, that it was impossible to form them regularly into line.
Large numbers, however, partook of the dinner, at the close of which Gov
ernor Whitcomb made a short address.

ARRIVAL OF THE 16TH REGULARS.

Indiana Sentinel, August 9, 1848.

Arrived at Madison on the 27th inst. on the steamer Yazoo City, a de
tachment of the Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, under command of T. T. Gar-
rard, en route for Newport Barracks. The detachment is composed of
Company B, Captain John T. Hughes; Company E, Captain T. T. Gar-
rard; Company F, Captain E. A. Graves, and Company H, Captain J. P.
Smith. The companies are in excellent health, there being out of 370 rank
and file, but one on the sick list. All will be discharged immediately on
their arrival at Newport.

We regret to hear the loss our State has sustained in the death of
Major James M. Talbott of this regiment, who died at Monterey, Mexico,
on the loth of June last. Major Talbott went out to Mexico in command
of the First Regiment of the Sixteenth Infantry, composed of Companies
C, Captain Hendricks, and K, Captain Braunou, and was on constant duty
until a few days prior to his death. On the day subsequent to his death
the officers of the Sixteenth Infantry from our State, held a meeting at
which resolutions befitting the occasion were adopted, by which the re
mains of Major Talbott were placed in charge of Captain John T. Hughes
and Lieutenant John A. Markley, to be transported with the returning
regiment to the friends of the deceased in Madison. Captain Hughes com
pleted the sad and melancholy duty devolving upon him and Mr. Markley
on the 27th inst. at the Madison Landing, there delivering the corpse to a
committee of the Masonic fraternity, who received it on behalf of the
family.

Thus has another been added to the brave sons of Indiana, who, in
the war with Mexico have laid down their lives for the honor and glory of
our country. Major Talbott was a man of high order of natural ability,
of superior attainments, and one who promised fair soon to occupy a dis
tinguished place in the councils of the nation. Of a warm-hearted tern-

292

perament and stimulated by that patriotism which so distinguished our
State on the first call being made by the President at the commencement
of the war, he raised one of the twenty-four companies proffered the Gov
ernor above the requisition, and after this disappointment received unso
licited the honorable position of major of the Sixteenth Infantry. It will
be recollected that this regiment has never been in any general engage
ment further than a few skirmishes with guerrillas, but throughout the
period of his service Major Talbott has been distinguished intellectually
as a man of high order of abilities as an officer, a strict disciplinarian,
brave and devoted to his country.

Thus, we repeat, has another son of our State been offered up (for
it matters not whether a soldier fall by disease or the sword) as a sacri
fice to our country's welfare and glory. Many of our volunteer officers,
like Major Talbott, have fallen and been mourned by the afflicted domes
tic circle at home, but we hold that the memories of such men become,
after death, the property of the state and nation, because their lives have
been freely devoted to the nation's welfare and glory and as such we hold
them up to our readers, believing that though no opportunity will be af
forded in the war now so auspiciously brought to an end, that upon an
other occasion the youth of our country will be, as ever heretofore, ready
to rally arourd the standard of our country.

The subalterns with this detachment are Lieutenants Berry, McMordy,
Whitcomb and Garrard.

NARRATIVE OF LIEUT.-COL. W. R. HADDON DE
SCRIPTIVE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE
BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA.

Western Sun and Advertiser.

ORKNEY, NEAR CARLISLE, SULLIVAN Co., INDIANA,

August 17, 1848.
John R. Jones, Esq. :

The urgent call upon me in your paper and the State Sentinel, to
gether with many and frequent calls made upon me by the citizens of my
own and other counties, induce me to present to the public, through the
columns of your paper, what I deem to be a faithful narrative of the part
taken by the Second Regiment in the battle of Buena Vista on the 22d
and 23d of February, 1847, in the Republic of Mexico.

I suppose it is probable that some in our country, from what I can
learn from the public news and rumors of the day, are inclined to come
to the conclusion that I should have made an official report of the doings
of the Second Regiment on those eventful days. I was only the lieuten
ant-colonel of the regiment, consequently it would have been assuming a
province that did not belong to me to have made a report unless I had
been called upon by my superior officers, and hence if the public mind
has received a wrong bias from any of the official reports of that day or
of any statement that has since been made to the public, it is no fault of
mine.

JOSEPH LANE

BRIGADIFR-GENERAL

293

As to the part I took or acted in the transactions of those two days,
for myself I am perfectly satisfied that my reputation be left with those
who know me and the candid everywhere. A decent respect for truth
requires at my hand the following narrative in vindication of the Second
Indiana Regiment from the unjust aspersions cast upon them as to the
part acted on the 23d. Permit me to add that the Second Indiana Regi
ment, for bravery and patriotism, was not excelled by any other on that
occasion, notwithstanding they, for a short period of time, retreated from
the fierceness of the action, but that even was not done only in obedience
to the repeated order of their colonel.

On the morning of the 22d of February we were informed that the
enemy were in sight, advancing, and at the same time received orders to
form our regiment for immediate action. Our regiment was quickly
formed and marched forward to a position about one mile and a half in
front of our camp, occupying the extreme left of our line of infantry,
though nearly a half-mile in the rear of the line. The Kentucky and
Arkansas regiments of cavalry, under Colonels Marshall and Yell, took
position on the extreme left, near the base of the mountain and a little
in our rear; Colonel Bissell, Second Illinois, the next on our right, though
nearly a half-mile in our front. The Second Indiana Regiment and the
Kentucky and Arkansas regiments of ca

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